Sagamore Creek Bridge
(August 25, 2009 )

           The City of Portsmouth is lowering the posted weight limit on the Route 1A bridge that spans Sagamore Creek (Bridge No. 198/034) to 6 tons.  Vehicles over 6 tons will no longer be able to cross the bridge and will have to take alternate routes.  Recommended alternate routes for vehicles over 6 tons have been prepared by the City of Portsmouth DPW and is available by clicking here.  Message boards are being placed today and fixed signage will be installed later this week.
 
Vehicles such as passenger cars, SUV’s, van type school buses and pickup trucks are still permitted to cross the bridge.   Ambulances and rescue vehicles with gross vehicle weights up to 6 tons are also still permitted on the bridge.  If there is any uncertainty regarding a vehicle’s gross weight, the information is provided on the vehicle’s registration.

The bridge previously had an ‘E-2’ posting which prohibited certified vehicles (typically large single unit trucks and combination trailers) from using the bridge.  The bridge is inspected bi-annually and during an inspection conducted on August 17, 2009, the deterioration encountered necessitated that the posted limit be lowered.
 
The bridge, which was built in 1941 and repaired in 1984, is currently in the design process for replacement.  The City is working with its consultants and the State of New Hampshire Department of Transportation to evaluate potential repair alternatives and an accelerated design and construction schedule. If there are any questions related to the bridge posting or the recommended alternative routes, please contact the City of Portsmouth Department of Public Works at 427-1530.

Sagamore Creek Bridge Map and other City Maps are available here