Two towns - one community connected by the bridge
It connects the commercial heart of two towns:
- Kittery Businesses up to 50% of their traffic from across the bridge
- Portsmouth Businesses get up to 25% of their business from across the bridge.
- Portsmouth businesses are staffed by Kittery residents.
It provides the only pedestrian and bicycle link between the two towns:
- 50% of residents use it regularly for pedestrian or bicycle transit
- 89% of residents say it is critical for pedestrian transit
- 80% say it is critical for bicycles
- Bicycle and road races cross the bridge
- The ME-NH link in the 2500 mile East Coast Greenway
It connects religious congregations
Arts organizations span the bridge
Impact of Losing the Memorial Bridge
Businesses lose revenue:
- Kittery could lose 20%
- Portsmouth could lose 15%
- Staff drive rather than walk
- Tax revenues would suffer
- Sales tax
- Income tax
- Property tax
Community Life is Disrupted
- Congregations split
- Arts associations split
- Road races rerouted
- East Coast Greenway severed
Increased pollution
- Drive instead of walk or bike
- Ferry service?
- Where would people park?
Bridge Condition Critical
6% Sufficiency Rating
Current estimates say the bridge will last between 2 and 5 years. The center lift span can no longer be repaired, it must be replaced. Rust and general decay will lead to closure.
 |
 |
 |