Streets Closed in Portsmouth Sunday for Criterium

On Sunday, Sept. 7, from 7:30 a.m. through 1 p.m., the Portsmouth Chief of Police will be invoking his emergency powers and prohibiting parking on specific streets in the downtown area of the city of Portsmouth for the Criterium Bicycle Race.

Towing will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m.

The following streets will be closed for traffic and vehicles shall NOT be parked on these streets or they may be towed at the owner’s expense:

• Maplewood Ave from Hanover Street to Middle Street
• State Street from Middle to Washington Street
• Pleasant Street from Court Street to Market Square
• Congress Street
• Market Square
• Fleet Street from Hanover Street to Court Street
• Market Street from Bow Street to Market Square
• Daniel Street from Chapel Street to Market Square
• Penhallow Street
• High Street from Market Square to Ladd Street
• Ladd Street
• Church Street
• Court Place
• Chestnut Street (both sections)
• Porter Street
• Haven Court
• Sheafe Street

Violators will be ticketed and towed.

Setup will take place from 8:30 a.m. with the first bike race beginning at 10 a.m. The roads are expected to be reopened at 1 p.m.

This race may cause periodic to significant traffic delays in the downtown area.

Residents and business owners needing access into the race area once the area has been closed must contact Race Director Tom Martin at 603-475-3361.

Due to the expected large crowds, pet owners are requested not to bring their pets. If pets are brought they must be properly restrained (leash required) and bring proper pet waste disposal. Skateboards, roller blades, and scooters will not be permitted.

There will be uniformed police officers and event volunteers present at the Criterium Bicycle Race to assist the public, and to ensure a safe environment for the participant’s enjoyment. The Portsmouth Department of Public Works will also be assisting with barricades for street closures.

This is an alcohol free event.

Please refer to the Criterium web site at portsmouthcrit.org for an event map and further information.

The Portsmouth Police contact for this event is Captain Mike Schwartz. Contact number will be 603-610-7408.

If you are coming to Portsmouth on I-95 (from either the North or the South), the following route is recommended:

Take I-95 to Exit 3. Head East on Rt. 33 to Middle Road, cross over Middle Street and onto South Street. Some parking will be available in the Parrott Ave parking lot or the South Mill Pond lot.

Submitted by the Portsmouth Police Department.