Stuck NH-To-Maine Bridge Fails To Reopen
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (CBS/AP) — Transportation officials had anticipated that a lift bridge that's been out of commission for days will become operational Saturday afternoon, allowing ships carrying heating oil and other supplies to resume travel up the Piscataqua River for deliveries.
However, as of Saturday night, DOT officials said the bridge had not been reopened.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation shut down the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge on Wednesday after the center span of the 73-year-old bridge got stuck during a routine test. The closed bridge has blocked shipping lanes as well as vehicle traffic crossing from Portsmouth, N.H., to Kittery, Maine.
Officials said the span should be opened by late Saturday afternoon to allow ships to go upriver. If the bridge lift is opened, it will most likely remain up until Monday to allow ship traffic upriver before the roadway is opened to vehicle traffic.
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