Bridges can connect and build communities or they can bypass them, creating isolation and decline.
This
site is dedicated to an understanding of the need for the three bridges
that cross the Piscataqua River, connecting Portsmouth, NH and Kittery,
ME.
connections study identifies 3 options for memorial bridge
At the last Connections Study meeting, HNTB outlined three remaining options for the Memorial Bridge and as many for the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge. The options taken completely off the table were the elimination of the Memorial Bridge. Left on the table was downgrading the Memorial Bridge to a pedestrian and bicycle only bridge. All three of these options would require operating bridges, staffed to open and close the bridge, much as it is today.
The study also concluded that between the two existing bridges that it was essential to have a total of four traffic lanes for cars and trucks. Thus the third option for the Memorial Bridge (bicycle and pedestrian only) would force the construction of a 4-lane version of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge. Whether this bridge is high, medium or low level is another question.
The four lane option will require taking of land in the Oak Terrace and Bridge Street areas. Higher level bridges would require taking of more land, and lower level taking less.
Restricting the Memorial Bridge to pedestrian/bike traffic will also redirect access to and from Portsmouth and Kittery. Modifications to the existing access to both will be significant and cannot be overlooked.
It is encouraging to see that the study will not eliminate the Memorial Bridge. One of the options still under consideration carries with it heavy burdens in terms of community impact on both sides of the river. We hope that these impacts are carefully considered by the study team.
Latest News
& Events
Connection Study Keeps Several Options Alive
Memorial Bridge Condition getting Worse
Long Bridge Condition Worse than Reported
Recent Comments
| I walk, bike and drive over the bridges multiple times every day. My biggest fear is the Memorial Bridge will close, and our ability (both Portsmouth and Kittery) will lose the ability to walk or bike to the other side. Kittery has blossomed in the last ten years with great new stores and restaurants, and this vitality would certainly be hurt. We need to save these bridges to keep the community of the Seacoast whole. |
| -Ned Savoie |
| Closing the Memorial Bridge would remove an invaluable link between the commercial and recreational resources of Portsmouth, N.H. and Kittery, Maine. It would require all coastal traffic to use I-95 further crowding that traffic and its entries/exits and add several miles and time. King Berlew |
| -F. Kingston Berlew |
| If these two bridges are closed rather than repaired, it will impact those in the area who now are able to walk from Portsmouth to Kittery to support the merchants in both states. The Sarah Long bridge does not permit pedestrians and bicycles. If that one were to be closed, explain to me how the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard would have the necessry train service they do now. |
| -Elinor Amee |
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