NHDOT: Bridge 'Took a Big Hit'

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation announced Wednesday afternoon that the repair of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge is expected to last four weeks.

There is no word yet on the cost of the repairs, NHDOT spokesman William Boynton said in an email. Officials are still exploring various repair options.

"The bridge took a big hit," Boynton said. "All of the attention right now by the NH and Maine DOTs is on getting the bridge safe and back in operation."

He said underwater inspection performed Wednesday showed that one of the bridge piers did sustain some damage, but it isn't clear yet whether repair work will be needed. Two of the bridge's truss elements need to be replaced, and others are being analyzed to determine whether they can be repaired or will need to be replaced.

The Harbour Feature tanker from Madeira, Portugal slammed into the bridge around 1:30 p.m. Monday after a mooring line snapped at the New Hampshire State Pier. 

New Hampshire and Maine transportation officials are working to secure a private contractor to perform the repairs. The bridge is currently closed to motor vehicle traffic, but its lift span remains operational to allow vessel traffic on the Piscataqua River throughout the repair period.