Route 1 Bypass Bridges to Close for Repairs

The following is a news release from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation:

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation announces planned work associated with the replacement of two bridges spanning the Route 1 Bypass in Portsmouth. 

Beginning on Monday, June 3, 2013, this work will involve tree clearing, utility relocations, water and sewer line installations, and the complete replacement of the Middle Street (NH 33) and Islington bridges and their approaches.

The Middle Street bridge will be closed completely on or about June 18 and will take approximately one full year to reconstruct.  A signed detour will be put in place directing traffic to use Peverly Hill Road, Mirona Road, and Lafayette Road during the closure. 

The Islington Street bridge will subsequently be closed in the summer of 2014 for reconstruction, also anticipated to take approximately one year to complete.  Traffic will be detoured over the new Middle Street bridge.

Motorists traveling through the work zone during these time periods should anticipate periodic traffic shifts and night work on the Route 1 Bypass.  Uniformed officers and flaggers will guide motorists through the work zone.  Travelers coming from I-95 northbound will be asked to use Exits 5, 6 or 7 to avoid the construction work.

ED Swett, Inc., of Concord, New Hampshire is the general contractor for the $4.3 million project, which is scheduled to be completed in September 2015.