The drawbridge connecting Kittery with Portsmouth, N.H., was closed to vehicles today after a detailed inspection found significant deterioration.
Memorial Bridge was closed at noon to all but pedestrian and bicycle traffic, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.
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An inspection found two gusset plates, which connect bridge beams to load-bearing columns, were unsafe. Both are on the southbound side of the bridge.
Traffic was directed to use either the Sarah Long Bridge, which is the U.S. Route 1 Bypass or the Interstate 95 bridge.
Transportation officials from the two states are discussing what repairs are warranted since the bridge is scheduled to be demolished in favor of a new bridge a year and a half from now.
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