Hampton Beach is a destination for locals and tourists, but Ocean Boulevard is a pain in the neck for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

All that could change along the main drag of the resort town in the next five years.

Whether you cruise, surf, swim, bike or just bask in the warmth of New Hampshire’s most popular beach, the infrastructure along Ocean Boulevard/Route 1A harkens back to a bygone era, much like some of the quaint shops and fried dough stands.

But officials at the New Hampshire Department of Transportation hope to make it safer for all, get traffic moving efficiently and improve parking by spending up to $62 million in the next five-plus years.

First, the good news: No one’s home or business will be acquired, officials said Thursday night during a public hearing at

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