Bridge Plans Move Forward

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
PORTSMOUTH —
Projects to deal with two of the three bridges over the Piscataqua River that joins Maine and New Hampshire are proceeding.
Decisions have been made on replacing the Memorial Bridge that links downtown Portsmouth with Kittery, while three options are under study and consideration for the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge. These include rehabilitation, replacement with a low-level structure, or replacement with a hybrid structure that would allow some of the ships coming up the river to pass beneath it. It would, however, still be a drawbridge as it would lower as well for the railroad that runs under it.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is taking the lead on the Memorial Bridge project, while the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) is leading the Sarah Mildred Long project.
“Right now New Hampshire is in the process of obtaining the permits and preparing the documents to proceed with Memorial Bridge,” Kenneth Sweeney, MDOT’s chief engineer said.
“Maine is taking the lead looking at the three alternates that remain on the table for Sarah Mildred Long and doing some more engineering work to determine which one of those remaining alternates we should proceed with,” Sweeney said.
A Tiger II grant of $20 million from the Federal Department of Transportation has been received “basically for that project,” for the replacement of the Memorial Bridge at its current site, according to Bill Boynton, a NHDOT spokesman. “That was a big deal. It certainly was a shot in the arm.”
The project is estimated to cost $90 million overall. The New Hampshire Legislature has earmarked $44 million for the project.
“Maine and New Hampshire are on the same page that we have to replace that bridge,” Boynton said, noting studies are under way to determine “how we’re going to pay for it. There are still some challenges here.”
In October Maine Gov. John Baldacci and New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch co-signed an executive order authorizing the creation of a task force charged with aggressively formulating plans that will allow the two states to develop funding for the projects, identifying joint financing options and proposing any necessary legislation to accommodate bridge construction. Among the two governor’s assurances is a commitment to a full vehicular replacement of the Memorial Bridge.
It is hoped that work on the Memorial Bridge will begin “next construction season,” Sweeney said, noting Maine “still has to go through the legislative process as to funding” for the project. The work is expected to take two years during which time the bridge would be closed to traffic.
Boynton said there is a 16-month waiting period for parts to that structure and some of the units needed would have to be brought in on the river.
Sweeney said work on the Sarah Mildred Long structure would not be done until the Memorial Bridge project was completed so traffic could use it while the other bridge is closed.
Estimates for the work on the Sarah Mildred Long span depends on which of the three projects is finally approved. Refurbishing would be the least expensive and the hybrid would be the most expensive, Sweeney said.
The Memorial Bridge is dedicated to the Sailors and Soldiers of New Hampshire who fought in World War I. It was constructed between1920 and 1923. It is the only bridge that has provisions for pedestrians and bicycles.
Boynton said a public hearing to discuss the replacement of the Memorial Bridge will be held Tuesday, Nov. 23, in the City Council Chambers at Portsmouth City Hall. That meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
Photo caption: Memorial Bridge, one of the three bridges connecting Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, ME over the Piscataqua River, will be rebuilt based on recent decisions including both states. (Photo courtesy www.nikiomahe.com)

Rollinsford Parade Ushers in the Season

ROLLINSFORD/
SOUTH BERWICK, ME—
Saturday, November 27 at 4:00 pm is the kickoff for this year’s holiday parade. The parade route commences in Downtown Rollinsford, winds into Downtown South Berwick, and wraps up on outer Academy St. at the Great Works School. Parade line-up will begin at 2:30. Judging begins at 3:00, with best-in-category awards being presented prior to the parade start. The Mayor of Whoville, wearing the traditional lighted Grinch sweater, will present the “Cup of Good Cheer” to the neighborhood group that creates this year’s “Judges’ Choice” for best overall float. These awards will be proudly displayed by the winners as they file past large crowds of festive on-lookers.
Keeping with this year’s parade theme “Christmas through the eyes of a Child,” groups and neighborhoods are encouraged to gather on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, for float-making parties. Float rules and application forms are available at the South Berwick Municipal Building and at P. Gagnon and Son on Main St. Groups for both floats and marching units are encouraged to reply to the e-mail addresses on the application to declare their participation. Another year of spectacular creations is expected.
Again this year during the parade, the South Berwick Fire Department will be collecting new unwrapped toys for local needy children. Your donations will be very much appreciated.
As line-up takes place, the South Berwick Strawberry Festival Committee, this year’s parade sponsor, will be handing out hot cider and cookies in front of the SB Town Hall. Richard Goulet, long-time and recently retired, parade chairman, will be this year’s Grand Marshall. Other anticipated parade participants include a contingent of sailors from the USS Helena, local Boy and Girl Scouts, the Marshwood High School Marching Band, and numerous local organizations with floats, trucks, equipment, and marchers of all ages.
No holiday parade would be complete without Santa making an appearance. This year, he will park the sleigh and reindeer and will hitch a ride on a fire engine supplied by the South Berwick Fire Department. Always a favorite with the kids. Set aside some time with the whole family on late Saturday afternoon to come see and enjoy this Holiday kick-off event.
Photo caption: A marching band in last year’s Holiday Parade. (Courtesy photo)

Dover Resident Wins Shopping Spree in “Shop Dover First” Promotion

DOVER—
It pays to shop locally. Just ask Karen Traversy of Dover, whose name was chosen in the first of three prize drawings that are part of the Dover Chamber’s ongoing “Shop Dover First” campaign.
Ms. Traversy’s winning entry was from a purchase made at The Herbal Path on Central Avenue in Dover, and earned her a local shopping spree valued at approximately $700. Included in the prize were Gift Certificates from Red’s Shoe Barn, Harvey’s Bakery, Jewelry Creations, Nicole’s Hallmark, Papa Gino’s, Dover Wine, 45 Market Street Bakery, Gene Paltrineri Photography, The Oaks Golf Links, Dover Bowl and Ross Furniture.
“I’m thrilled,” beamed Traversy, who added, “My husband owns a small business, so I really understand and appreciate the ‘Shop Local’ mindset that this program is trying to create.”
Ron Stock, owner of The Herbal Path where Traversy’s winning entry was submitted, agreed. “It’s great to see a customer being rewarded for their loyalty to our business, and for supporting local businesses in general. The Chamber is doing a fantastic job of trying to create awareness and excitement in the community, and their efforts have a tremendous positive impact, not just for local businesses, but for the quality of life for our residents as well.”
For those who haven’t yet gotten involved, it isn’t too late. Two more Shopping Sprees will be awarded in the weeks to come, one on December 1st, and the Grand Prize, which will be awarded on December 17th and is valued at over $2,500. Area residents can enter their local purchases online at dovernh.org, at the Visitor Center on Central Avenue, or at any local business where a “Shop Dover First” entry box is on display. One needn’t be a Dover resident to participate, and everyone is encouraged to enter as many times as they like.
“The real challenge for us is not in putting the program together, but in getting people to buy in to what we’re doing and to get themselves involved,” said Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley. “It’s a lot like voting, in that you have to overcome the ‘my vote doesn’t make any difference’ mentality and get people to understand that if everyone pulls in the same direction, we can collectively make Dover a better, more prosperous place for all of us.”
To enter your local purchases, or for more information about “Shop Dover First,” including answers to frequently asked questions and a list of participating businesses, please visit the Chamber website at www.dovernh.org.
Photo caption: Karen Traversy of Dover is presented with the first of three local Shopping Sprees that will be awarded throughout the holiday shopping season as part of the Dover Chamber’s ongoing “Shop Dover First” campaign. Pictured from left are: Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley; Karen Traversy; and Ron Stock, owner of The Herbal Path where the winning entry was submitted. (Courtesy photo)