Politics & Government

Sarah Long Bridge Could Reopen in 'Days'

The bridge was closed to vehicle traffic Monday after a ship hit it.

The Sarah Long Bridge, which was shut down to vehicle traffic Monday after a ship hit it, could reopen in a matter of days, according to state Department of Transportation Commissioner Chris Clement.

Crews on Tuesday morning were assessing damage to the bridge, which was already designated at the top of a state "red list" of bridges in the most need of replacement.

Clement said Tuesday morning he couldn't give an exact time-frame on when the bridge will reopen. He said the time-frame will firm up after the assessment is done. He added the damage doesn't appear to be catastrophic.

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Clement did, however, say damage to the bridge could end up costing at least $1 million.

"A couple truss spans are damaged," Clement said. "We need to repair those ... (or) replace them."

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The bridge is currently open to marine traffic.

Divers on Tuesday morning will inspect the bridge's underwater supports in the Piscataqua River as a precaution, Clement said.

The Harbour Feature, based out of Madeira, Portugal, broke free from its moorings at the New Hampshire State Pier and slammed into the bridge Monday afternoon, officials said. No one aboard was injured. It was carrying tallow oil, which is used to make soap products. None of it leaked into the river, Clement said.

The Harbor Feature is about 470 feet long and 72 feet wide. 

The ship, which had several visible dents, was docked next to the bridge Tuesday morning. Photos of the ship's damage can found at right.

Gov. Maggie Hassan inspected the scene Tuesday morning. She praised workers from the Port Authority and DOT for a "quick" response to the crash.


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