The New Hampshire Department of Transportation announces an inspection of the lift machinery and counterweight ropes at the Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth will take place from Monday, November 29, through Wednesday, December 1, 2010. This bridge carries US Route 1 over the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, ME.

The Memorial Bridge will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic on Tuesday, November 30, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. During these hours, the Memorial Bridge will remain open to both pedestrian and river traffic.

Flag persons, electronic message signs, and warning signs will be used to notify motorists of the bridge closure. Motorists and pedestrians traveling between Portsmouth and Kittery should use alternate routes.

In the event of adverse weather, the inspection work may be delayed until the next suitable workday.