Memorial Bridge Approaches Nearing Completion

The new Memorial Bridge approaches on the Portsmouth and Kittery sides of the Piscataqua River are getting closer to completion, clearing the way for more extensive work to begin in the months ahead.

According to Carol Morris, a spokesperson for Archer Western Contractors, the structural steel for the Scott Avenue approach has been erected on the Portsmouth side. She wrote in an e-mail the forms for the concrete bridge deck are in place and reinforcing steel is being installed. She wrote the concrete will be placed before Thanksgiving.

"In Kittery, construction of the concrete columns that will support the new Kittery approach is complete and erection of the precast concrete superstructure is under way.  Construction of the new abutment and concrete deck on this side of the bridge will be completed in November, weather permitting," Morris wrote.

Morris also wrote the micropiles on Pier 2 have been successfully installed, overcoming one of the major challenges of the project to date. "The crew has now mobilized to Pier 3 to install the final pier foundation elements on the project," she wrote.

Morris wrote that Archer Western crews will continue on double shifts until micropile installation on Pier 3 is complete. She added that Archer Western sincerely appreciates the patience and good will of nearby residents in the face of the extended work hours.

"Structural steel for the south fixed span of the Memorial Bridge began arriving at the staging area last week, Morris wrote.

New Hampshire Department of Transportation officials have previously said the .