Famed Kancamagus Hwy On NH Repair List After Irene
LINCOLN, NH (CBS)—The famed Kancamagus Highway will be open by mid-September, state leaders pledged Wednesday.
Heavy rains and rushing rivers during Hurricane Irene caused the highway to buckle or collapse in several spots between Lincoln and Conway, NH.
Governor John Lynch toured the damage with New Hampshire DOT officials Wednesday. The engineers said they believe they could have a temporary fix in place that would make the Kancamagus safe for drivers by September 15th.
WBZ-TV's Lauren Leamanczyk reports
"If we can get it all open by the middle of September that will be a remarkable accomplishment," Lynch said.
Local businesses and the state tourism leader were thrilled with the news that the road would be available for use before the fall color season. "Leaf peepers" are a key part of New Hampshire's tourism economy.
"That's the best news I've heard in a while," said George Bald, Commission of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. "The leaf season is to tourism what Christmas is to retail."
