News Release for October 24, 2008
For More Information:
Mark Latti, MaineDOT Office of Communications - 207-624-3030
Bill Boynton, New Hampshire DOT Information Office - 603-271-6495

PORTSMOUTH BRIDGE REPAIRS WILL REQUIRE CLOSURE TO ALL TRAFFIC

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation informed MaineDOT that New Hampshire DOT plans to close the Sarah Long Bridge for a period of 19 days starting October 27. The bridge carries the Route 1 Bypass between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine.

Crews contracted by New Hampshire DOT will conduct work that includes replacement of the motors that lift the bridge, switching to a new electrical service that will provide power to the motors and equipment on the Maine side of the bridge (eliminating the need for submarine cables), and implementation of a new bridge operating system. In order to accomplish this work, the lift bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from Monday, October 27 at 7:00 a.m. until Friday November 14 at 5:00 p.m. The bridge will also be closed to marine traffic from Monday, November 10 at 7:00 a.m. until Friday, November 14 at 5:00 p.m.

Detour signs will direct traffic during the closure to the Piscataqua River (Interstate 95) Bridge. The Connector Road at Albacore Park will also be open to provide access between Rte 1 Bypass and Market Street Extension in Portsmouth.

Yates Electric of Durham, NH is the contractor for the $1,300,000 project.