MERRIMACK — A Bedford woman was taken into custody on May 29 after driving intoxicated through a road construction zone and almost hitting a police officer and a utility worker.
Laurie Merk, 53, ignored officers directing traffic at around 9:24 p.m. at the intersection of Rt. 101A and Continental Blvd, where crews were running electrical lines across the street, according to the Merrimack Police Department.
Authorities said the officers had momentarily stopped traffic in both directions for the safety of the utility workers.
Merk, however, bypassed the stopped vehicles and drove into the restricted area.
When officers attempted to halt her car, she nearly struck one of them and continued driving, narrowly missing a worker before being stopped by police just beyond the site.
Merk exhibited signs of alcohol impairment and was subsequently arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and Disobeying a Police Officer.
She was processed at Merrimack PD and released on Personal Recognizance Bail.
She is set to appear at the 9th Circuit Merrimack District Court on June 27 to respond to the charges.
The Merrimack Police Department has issued a reminder to the community about ongoing roadwork on Rt. 101A from the Nashua line to Boston Post Rd.
The department urges drivers to exercise caution in the area, noting that work hours may change.
