Delayed opening of Sarah Long Bridge now set for March 30

Photo / Jim Neuger A view of the new Sarah Mildred Long Bridge connecting Kittery to Portsmouth, N.H., which is scheduled to open on March 30.

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The new Sarah Mildred Long Bridge connecting Kittery to Portsmouth, N.H., is scheduled to open to traffic on March 30.

A joint project of the Maine and New Hampshire Departments of Transportation, the $163 million replacement bridge for the 76-year-old Sarah Mildred Long Bridge had originally been scheduled to be open for traffic in September 2017. The design process began in 2013 and construction by the successful bidder Cianbro started in January 2015.

Bad weather, in part, contributed to delays. In its March 21 construction update, MaineDOT, in coordination with Cianbro, reported it would be opening the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge to traffic during the day on Friday, March 30.

Seacoastonline.com reported that MDOT press secretary Ted Talbot had hoped to open the bridge by March 23, but the string of three nor’easters in recent weeks had prevented Cianbro workers from being able to finish work on the bridge towers directly above traffic.

“The remaining work items, after March 30, can be completed with traffic control measures including occasional lane closures and some full closures during overnight hours,” MDOT reported.

“The one-week delay is weather related. We are hoping to get a few more things that need to be done from the road deck so there will be less disruption to the traveling public in the future,” Talbot said.

At least one local business can’t wait for the new bridge to open.

Dave Lorandeau, an assistant manager at Jackson’s Hardware and Marina on the Route 1 Bypass in Kittery, told seacoastonline.com his business has seen a significant drop-off in business due to the lengthy bridge closure. “This is the second time we’ve heard the bridge will be open on the 30th, so we’re hoping it’s true,” he said.

Cianbro’s contract allows for MDOT to levy $1,000 per-day penalties for every day the bridge remains closed to vehicles beyond the original Sept. 1, 2017, opening day and for additional per-day penalties if the entire project is not complete beyond June 1, which entails installing railroad tracks and landscaping on both sides of the span, seacoastonline reported, adding that Talbot previously stated that discussion will take place after the bridge opens on whether or how penalties would be levied.