View Sarah Mildred Long Bridge in a larger map

June 25, 2012

NH-Maine bridge struck by lightning, no one hurt

The Associated Press

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Transportation officials say two-way traffic has resumed on a lift bridge between Maine and New Hampshire that was struck by lightning strike.

New Hampshire Department of Transportation spokesman Bill Boynton says the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge was in lift mode when lighting hit. He says the lift span came down at an uneven angle, causing damage that left a normally underground metal plate jutting out into one of the two lanes.

He also says several gauges were knocked out by the lightning strike at 11:35 a.m. Monday.

No one was hurt.

The Piscataqua River bridge connects Portsmouth to Kittery, Maine, and is getting heavier-than-normal use during demolition of the Memorial Bridge. Police were directing alternating one-way traffic on Monday. Two-way traffic resumed on Monday evening.

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send question/comment to the editors




Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most…