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July 28, 2011

Memorial Bridge closes one year early

By The Mainebiz News Staff

Maine and New Hampshire transportation officials have permanently closed the Memorial Bridge that spans the two states, one year before construction is set to start on a new bridge.

Officials ordered the bridge closed to vehicular traffic after an inspection found significant deterioration of its gusset plates and floor beams, according to Seacoast Online. The closure comes about a year earlier than anticipated, and three years before a replacement bridge is set to open. A contract to replace the bridge is slated to be awarded in September, with the new bridge set to open no later than the fall of 2014. The $90 million project has received $20 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Businesses on Route 1 in Kittery expressed concern over the sudden closure and the loss of traffic across the bridge from New Hampshire, according to the Portland Press Herald. The Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce said yesterday it plans to work with the town of Kittery and businesses to help mitigate the impact of the bridge's closure.

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