“Every role I’ve held has shaped how I lead the department today,” said David Rodrigue, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT).
The New Hampshire native, who graduated from the University of New Hampshire, began his career with Weaver Brothers Construction before joining NHDOT as an entry-level civil engineer in an 18-month rotational training program in 1991. After spending 35 years in a variety of roles throughout the department, he was appointed Commissioner in March 2026.
Rodrigue takes over at a time when New Hampshire has a well-established transportation system to maintain and improve. The system includes:
- 160 state bridges
- 1,690 municipal bridges
- 3,460 NHDOT-managed miles of roadway
- About 450 miles of operating rail
- 25 airports
One of Rodrigue’s first priorities is preserving NHDOT’s existing assets.
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“By maintaining roads and bridges before they deteriorate significantly, we improve safety, reduce long-term costs, and minimize disruptions for the traveling public,” he said.
A related goal the Commissioner has set for the department is to apply the appropriate pavement or bridge treatment at the right time to maximize the life of the state’s infrastructure while making the best use of taxpayer dollars.
That emphasis on preservation has been shaped by Rodrigue’s experience throughout his career, beginning with his first job in construction.
“I gained firsthand experience building roads and learned the importance of quality construction, safe work zones, drainage systems, grading, and traffic control. ... Working in construction taught me the importance of preserving and maintaining our existing infrastructure,” he said.
It has been 35 years since Rodrigue went through the NHDOT training program, but the experience continues to shape his career.
“I still work alongside many of the people I met during that program,” Rodrigue said.
Today, those employees represent what Rodrigue considers one of the department’s greatest strengths. NHDOT employs approximately 1,650 people.
“We have talented, dedicated professionals who consistently deliver high-quality work despite limited resources,” he said.
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One of his most meaningful experiences with the department came while working in Highway Maintenance, where he saw firsthand the commitment required to keep New Hampshire’s transportation system operating.
“During major winter storms and emergency events, our employees routinely work more than 30 consecutive hours to keep roads open so emergency responders can do their jobs, children can get to school, businesses can operate, and visitors can enjoy everything New Hampshire has to offer,” Rodrigue said.
Maintaining that level of service means retaining and attracting new talent to join NHDOT. Many departments are also grappling with this as fewer young people are entering the industry.
“One of our greatest challenges is attracting the next generation of transportation professionals,” Rodrigue said.
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“We need talented engineers, maintenance workers, financial professionals, human resource specialists, construction workers, bridge builders, transit operators, and many others to carry this work forward,” he added. “We’re actively engaging with schools, career fairs, and workforce development programs to introduce young people to transportation careers and demonstrate the important role they can play in serving their communities.”
For Rodrigue, developing and maintaining a strong workforce is directly connected to another of the department’s central responsibilities: serving the traveling public.
“Transportation enhances quality of life,” Rodrigue said. “Whether it’s getting to work, enjoying New Hampshire’s outdoor recreation, visiting family, or supporting local businesses, transportation helps connect people to the things that matter most.”
That perspective has been reinforced throughout his career by conversations with residents and local communities about the ways transportation affects their daily lives. Smooth roads mean safer ambulance rides, lower vehicle repair costs, and more reliable travel.
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“Those conversations reinforced that transportation isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about people,” Rodrigue said.
For Rodrigue, one of the most important ways NHDOT can serve the public is by providing a safe transportation system. The department continues to pursue its goal of reducing roadway fatalities.
“Part of providing outstanding customer service [is] continuing to educate the public about safe driving,” Rodrigue said. “Infrastructure alone cannot eliminate fatalities. Achieving our goal of zero roadway deaths requires every driver to take responsibility for making safe decisions behind the wheel. Safe actions save lives.”
Technology also plays an increasingly important role in improving transportation safety, operations, and efficiency.
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Rodrigue has been a technology advocate since early in his career when he served in NHDOT’s Construction, Traffic, Highway Maintenance, and Commissioner’s Office divisions. He became the department’s first Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Transportation Management Center (TMC) Program Manager.
The role included overseeing the construction of the Transportation Management Center, implementing New Hampshire’s first statewide transportation management system, and transitioning 24/7 dispatch operations into a modern operations center equipped with cameras, dynamic message signs, and the 511 traveler information system.
“While the technology was exciting, the greatest challenge and reward was helping our people embrace change and modernize how we serve the public,” Rodrigue said.
Today, NHDOT is continuing to invest in technology through initiatives like Advanced Digital Construction Management and Digital Delivery.
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“These tools will allow us to create a single digital model that evolves throughout the entire life cycle of an asset, from design and construction through operations and maintenance,” Rodrigue said. “That means better information, greater efficiency, and improved decision-making for years to come.”
As with transportation agencies across the country, one of NHDOT’s most significant challenges is balancing growing infrastructure needs with available funding.
“Transportation demands continue to evolve, and maintaining, modernizing, and expanding the system requires long-term investment and careful prioritization,” Rodrigue said.
Rodrigue sees a direct connection between infrastructure and economic growth. The press release announcing his appointment stated that Rodrigue believes providing a safe, accessible, and well-planned transportation system that is properly constructed, preserved, and maintained is essential to supporting economic prosperity and quality of life.
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According to Rodrigue, transportation is fundamentally about connecting people with the places and opportunities that matter most. A safe, reliable transportation system allows businesses to move goods efficiently, employees to get to work, emergency responders to reach those in need, and families to access health care, education, recreation, and each other.
“The more efficiently our transportation system connects people and commerce, the lower the cost of moving goods and providing services,” he said. “That directly supports economic growth and competitiveness.”
While Rodrigue is in the early stages of his tenure as NHDOT Commissioner, he already has a clear vision of what success will look like when he moves on.
“Success will be measured by whether the department continues to earn the public’s trust by delivering the safest, most reliable transportation system possible with the resources entrusted to us,” he said. “If we’ve strengthened the department, developed the next generation of leaders, improved safety, preserved our infrastructure, and positioned NHDOT to continue succeeding long after I’m gone, then I’ll consider my time as Commissioner a success.”
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NHDOT is advancing several major transportation projects throughout New Hampshire. Among the department’s significant reconstruction efforts are improvements to I-293 at Exits 6 and 7 in Manchester and the Bow-Concord I-89/I-93 improvements. Other major projects include:
- Widening and reconstructing the F.E. Everett Turnpike through Nashua, Merrimack, and BedfordCompleting Exit 4A on I-93 in Derry and continuing improvements to the surrounding roadway network
- Replacing the bridge between Seabrook and Hampton
- Beginning the first phase of coastal protection projects along Route 1A in North Hampton and Rye to strengthen the shoreline against future storm damage
The department is also advancing several statewide safety initiatives, including new median barriers along I-95, wrong-way driving signage improvements, all-way stop safety projects, statewide rumble strip installations, bridge replacements, bridge preservation projects, and an ongoing pavement rehabilitation and resurfacing program.
“While construction may create temporary traffic impacts, these investments improve safety, extend the life of our infrastructure, reduce future maintenance costs, and support New Hampshire’s long-term transportation needs,” Rodrigue said.
