The New Memorial Bridge 2012/2013 -A Rebirth
It was on February 8, 2012 that the center span of the original Memorial Bridge was raised and lowered for the last time. The New Memorial Bridge was officially dedicated on August 8, 2013. Former Portsmouth Mayor Eilleen Foley was on hand to cut the ribbon on the New Hampshire side; returning after having performed the same task some 90 years earlier for the original Memorial Bridge, at the age of 5. The following images attempt to chronicle portions of the various stages of the reconstruction process and provide the viewer a glimpse into how this bridge came to life, at least through the eyes of those of us who had somehow and seemingly breathed character and purpose into this pile of asphalt, concrete and steel.
Morning Light
The new Memorial Bridge as seen from Kittery, Maine. The early morning light casts its glow on the Portsmouth, NH waterfront. Interestingly if not mysteriously, this same light also replicates the color of the original Memorial Bridge(span nearest the viewer) and beautifully accents the color of the new Memorial Bridge in its two towers, which was to be named Piscataqua Mist.
The Piers and Kittery, Maine side approach are progressing nicely.
Reinforcing Rods are set in the existing piers and concrete is added.
Show of Support
The American Flag is raised atop the crane head in support of the fallen and injured in the Boston Marathon Terrorist Bombing of April 2013.
The ebbing tide lowers the North Span onto its bases.
Night Shift
To the North
A portion of the Center Span, the North Tower and North Span to Kittery, Maine.
Changing Skyline
The rising Towers of the New Memorial Bridge draw a sharp contrast to the rooftops of historic Strawberry Banke.
Work progresses nicely on the North Span's approach ramp, the Span and the Tower. - June 2013
Tower Top Sheave
Worker's prepare one of the massive sheaves for hoisting and placement atop the South Tower. -May 28, 2013
Easy Now
Clouds on the March
An approaching pattern adds an element of Drama to the scene.
- April 10, 2013
A Work In Progress
Center Span Float In, First Leg
The New Memorial Bridge's Center Span is floated from it's construction site(State Dock) to just south of the bridge where it will await the proper time and tides when it will be floated in place. -June, 16, 2013.
Golden Stair
Awash in early morning light, the South Tower's maintenance Stair takes on a golden glow. -June 17, 2013
A view From The South
The raised Center Span and two Towers as viewed from Portsmouth's historic South End. -June 26, 2013
1ST Fourth
The Portsmouth Fourth of July Fireworks take on a special meaning. This shot is from Kittery, Maine looking toward Portsmouth's Waterfront.
- July 3rd, 2013
Old Meets New
The Bronze Plaque and Seals from the old Memorial Bridge were removed, repaired and refurbished and now grace the entry of the New Memorial Bridge.
Everyone Loves A Parade
August 8, 2013. The official opening of the New Memorial Bridge.
Connection Reestablished
Though it won't be open to traffic for a while, the connection to Kittery, Me from Portsmouth, NH was finally reestablished on June 17, 2013. The overnight task of floating the center span in place was not only tide dependent, but also required coordination with shipping traffic.
Functional Bridge
Not yet open to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, now that the Center Span is
in place and being tested, it must allow for the frequent ship traffic in and out of Portsmouth Harbor.-July 24, 2013
Although there was no shortage of dignitaries on hand for the dedication, today's guest of honor was former Mayor Eileen Foley. She will cut the ribbon, as she did for the original Memorial Bridge at the age of five, nearly ninety years ago.
Photographers leave no question as to where everyone's attention is focused at this moment, the official ribbon cutting of the New Memorial Bridge. -August 8, 2013
High Steel
This photographer's first view of the South Tower from the New Memorial Bridge.
