CLAREMONT — Claremont has been awarded a $1.46 million federal Department of Transportation grant for design work on reconstruction of portions of Charlestown Road (NH Route 11/12) between Maple Avenue at Draper’s Corner south to the intersection with Grissom Lane.

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE, grant project will include engineering and design work for “new roads, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, curbs, storm drains, culverts, sewer lines, and water lines,” the city said in a news release.

Charlestown Road is the main entry into the city from the south and has seen significant commercial development in recent years with two new car dealerships and a third one scheduled to open later this summer.

The first phase will allow the city to pursue further funding for construction and push to have the project added to the state’s 10-year transportation plan, City Manager Yoshi Manale said.

Pedestrian safety, road improvements and water upgrades, along with expanded sewer and drainage capabilities are needed on the heavily traveled 3-mile stretch of road, Claremont Department of Public Works Director Alex Gleason said.