Politics & Government
Another Major Portsmouth Bridge to Be Replaced
The Sagamore Bridge will be closed in the fall.
The 72-year-old Sagamore Bridge is set to be closed Oct. 15 for replacement.
"The steel is deteriorating," Public Works Director Peter Rice told the City Council last week. "It's beyond its life."
The bridge is part of Route 1A. The Golden Egg breakfast place is located on the southern side.
The new, $8 million bridge will retain the look of the current one, Rice said, adding it will be about 8 feet wider to better accommodate bicyclists. The new bridge will also be about 3 1/2 feet higher over the water.
The increased height concerned City Councilor Jack Thorsen, as the bridge is a popular spot for people to jump off into the water below at high tide.
The new bridge is set to be completed sometime in the spring of 2015. Boat traffic will still be allowed during construction, Rice said.
He said in the next five years, Portsmouth will have replaced nine bridges.
Last week, the new Memorial Bridge opened to traffic. Next year, the Sarah Long Bridge is set to be replaced.
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