Memorial Bridge Approaches Nearing Completion

Editor's note: Welcome to "Across the River," which offers stories and news from Kittery, Maine. Each Thursday, Portsmouth Patch will present a story about this community along with a short list of upcoming events and happenings around town. All Portsmouth Patch stories about Kittery, Maine will also be posted in our new "Across the River" topic page that can be accessed by clicking on the News section of the tool bar any time.

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The new Memorial Bridge approaches on the Portsmouth and Kittery sides of the Piscataqua River are getting closer to completion, clearing the way for more extensive work to begin in the months ahead.

According to Carol Morris, a spokesperson for Archer Western Contractors, the structural steel for the Scott Avenue approach has been erected on the Portsmouth side. She wrote in an e-mail the forms for the concrete bridge deck are in place and reinforcing steel is being installed. She wrote the concrete will be placed before Thanksgiving.

"In Kittery, construction of the concrete columns that will support the new Kittery approach is complete and erection of the precast concrete superstructure is under way.  Construction of the new abutment and concrete deck on this side of the bridge will be completed in November, weather permitting," Morris wrote.

Morris also wrote the micropiles on Pier 2 have been successfully installed, overcoming one of the major challenges of the project to date. "The crew has now mobilized to Pier 3 to install the final pier foundation elements on the project," she wrote.

Morris wrote that Archer Western crews will continue on double shifts until micropile installation on Pier 3 is complete. She added that Archer Western sincerely appreciates the patience and good will of nearby residents in the face of the extended work hours.

"Structural steel for the south fixed span of the Memorial Bridge began arriving at the staging area last week, Morris wrote.

New Hampshire Department of Transportation officials have previously said the .

Meetings:

Kittery Planning Board, Kittery Town Hall, Thursday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m.

Kittery Town Hall closed, Friday, Oct 26.

Events:

Kittery Premium Outlets Pink Event: During the month of October, shoppers can visit the on-site Information Center at Kittery Premium Outlets to donate $10 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and then enjoy a rewarding day of shopping at the Premium Outlets® Pink Event.

KTP bicycle rides: Every Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m., Kittery Trading Post guides will lead bicyclists on a coastal ride in town and newcomers are welcome.

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