“High Rise Bridge” in NH, Maine closed due to police operation

Maine's busiest bridge will be closed in both directions on Thursday due to police operations.

I-95 northbound and southbound at the Piscataqua River Bridge, also known as the High Rise Bridge, was closed around 3 a.m. Thursday, New Hampshire State Police said. It was still closed as of 7 a.m.

Police did not provide any information about the reason for the bridge closure, but said patrol officers were on site and that “drivers should expect delays and avoid the area if possible.”

The bridge connects Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Kittery, Maine. It is considered the “busiest and most important bridge in Maine,” according to TYLin, a consultant on a construction project.

It has six lanes and is the only interstate connection to Maine. TYLin said: “It is vital for freight, commuters and tourists.” About 78,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day, and in the summer the number rises to more than 130,000 vehicles.

In Portsmouth, northbound traffic was diverted at Exit 7, according to WCVB. And Maine State Police are diverting southbound traffic at Exit 3 in Kittery, the news station reported.