Memorial Bridge Won't Open by Deadline

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation announced Thursday that the ribbon cutting for the new Memorial Bridge will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15.

The lift bridge, which connects Portsmouth and Kittery, is expected to open to vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic before that date, however, once final testing has been completed.

The NHDOT said it continues to work with contractor Archer Western toward the completion and opening of the bridge, but it isn't likely to occur by the contractual date of July 19.

"We recognize the need to open the new bridge as soon as possible for the traveling public, as well as the desire of the States of Maine and New Hampshire and the communities of Portsmouth and Kittery to have enough lead time available to hold a celebratory event," NHDOT Deputy Commissioner Michael Pillsbury said in a prepared statement.

The Aug. 15 celebration is being planned to highlight the historical link between Portsmouth and Kittery. It will include a procession across the bridge and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by former Portsmouth Mayor Eileen Foley, who was 5 years old when she cut the ribbon at the original Memorial Bridge opening on Aug. 17, 1923.