"The decision to close the Memorial Bridge to motor vehicle traffic is being made to ensure the public's safety,” said New  Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) commissioner George Campbell. “As commissioner, safety has to be my primary concern, and this decision has been made based upon input from our top bridge engineers and in consultation with the Maine Department of Transportation." 

The most recent inspections of the Memorial Bridge have revealed accelerated deterioration. Deterioration of the truss joints is particularly problematic, but the entire bridge has reached a point of deterioration that makes its permanent closure unavoidable, he said. “We had hoped to keep it open for several more months, but it has become clear that the 88-year old bridge has reached the end of its serviceable life for motor vehicles."

Planning and progress continue towards the full replacement of the Memorial Bridge. A US$90 million design and build project is expected to get under way in the spring of 2012, with a final completion date of June 2014.