Memorial Bridge Project in Portsmouth, NH

What is the future of Memorial Bridge? It's up to you. You've probably ridden or walked your bike over the 88 year old structure. If you live in Portsmouth or Kittery you may rely on it as the sole connection for cyclists and pedestrians between the two communities. You may have cursed the treacherous metal grate decking of the lift span, but you'd heard the bridge was scheduled for rehabilitation and an upgrade to a more bike-friendly solid deck. 

However, that rehabilitation is on hold now while Maine and New Hampshire undertake a $1.4 million, 18 month Bi-State Connections Study of cross-border travel patterns, the condition of both Memorial Bridge and the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, and whether three bridges are needed across the Piscataqua. Among the options the study will consider is replacing one or both lift bridges with a new high bridge that wouldn't require a lift to accommodate shipping on the river. 

The study was commissioned by the two states after a low bid for rehabilitation of Memorial Bridge came in last summer at $59.6 million - $15 million more than budgeted. The Sarah Mildred Long Gridge, the middle bridge carrying the Route 1 bypass, is also due for major rehabilitation in the next several years. Beyond the costs of the the rehabilitation work, the two states cite condern about ongoing maintenance and operations costs of the lift bridges. 

Memorial Bridge is at the top of the NH Department of Transportation (NHDOT) "red list" of bridges needing repair, and is estimated to have a remaining life of only 2-5 years. However, it has not been identified as a top priority by the Maine DOT. In March NHDOT asked Maine to partner on a $150 million proposal for federal Stimulus funding including $65 million to rehab Memorial Bridge, $45 million for Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, plus funds for improvements to the Downeaster rail service and the NH State Pier. Maine has not committed to support the proposal.

Memorial Bridge provides a critical transportation link for many in Portsmouth and Kittery to commute to work on foot or bicycle, or to cross the river for errants or an evening out. It is a designated state bicycle route for both states, and carries the East Coast Greenway across the border. In the summer months foot traffic is high with visitors strolling out for a view of downtown and the river. 

The bridge is also a historic landmark, having been dedicated in 1923 as a memorial to soldiers and sailors killed in the First World War. It is considered the most historically significant bridge in New Hampshire, and was recently added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of 11 Most Endangered Places.

Replacing the bridge with a new high span won't support bicycle and pedestrian transportation needs. Approach ramps would need to start far back from the river, cutting through neighborhoods, while stairs or ramps to bring cyclists and pedestrians up to a span high enough to accommodate ships that ply the river would discourage walking and cycling. 

A "Save OUr Bridges" coalition is forming to petition the State of Maine to join NHDOT in its proposal for Stimulus funds to fix to two lift bridges rather than replace them. For more information on the bridges, and a petition to the Governors of Maine and New Hampshire, go to www.portsmouthbridges.com.

What is the future of Memorial Bridge? It's up to you. Speak up for safe cycling!

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