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May 14, 2008

Weight restrictions put on Cove Bridge in Portsmouth

Trucks and other vehicles weighing more than 10 tons will be banned from Cove Bridge in Portsmouth after inspection found deterioration in the bridge's concrete beams, the state Department of Transportation announced late this afternoon.

The span, built in 1961, carries Hummock Point Road over a tidal inlet in Portsmouth's Island Park section. The bridge has average daily traffic count of 2,100 vehicles.

Signs will be put in place by end of tomorrow, a DOT news release said. Because of this bridge posting, the DOT will increase inspection frequency.

With the new weight limit, all trucks and school buses will have to seek alternate routes, the DOT release said. Vehicles over 10 tons trying to get to the Island Park Business District should use Exit 2 off of Route 24 to Boyds Lane, the DOT advises. Drivers unsure of a vehicle’s weight should consult their registration, which lists the gross weight.

Vehicles below the weight limit can continue to use the bridge.

Drivers with concerns or questions may call DOT customer services at (401) 222-2450 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The DOT has posted weight restrictions on two other bridges in recent months. Click here for more on the condition of bridges in the state, according to DOT.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 5:01 PM | Permalink

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