Car Crash Shuts Down Lafayette Road

Portsmouth Police are diverting traffic on Lafayette Road Saturday night following a single car crash that knocked out two utility poles causing their wires to block the roadway.

Portsmouth Police Sgt. Kuffer Kaltenborn said the accident happened shortly before 9 p.m. near the Rye town line, but he could not say if the driver suffered any injuries.

Kaltenborn said the two utility poles are owned by Public Service of New Hampshire, which has dispatched crews to make repairs. In the meantime, police say this portion of Route 1 remains closed to northbound and southbound traffic.

Kaltenborn said traffic is expected to be disrupted in the area of the car accident for the next six to eight hours.

Portsmouth Police are asking motorists to seek alternative routes until this situation is remedied.