Posted in New Hampshire April 16, 2020 by

The Tallest, Most Impressive Bridge In New Hampshire Can Be Found In Portsmouth

When it comes to brides, we know that New Hampshire might be most famous for the covered variety. After all, we do have quite a few! And many can be found in remote little corners of the state with great history. But, these bridges aren’t the only examples of craftsmanship in the Granite State. This bridge might be the most well-known among those who travel north. It’s also the state’s tallest!

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While not quite as quaint as the covered bridges elsewhere in the state, The 4,503-foot long and 135-foot tall Piscataqua River Bridge is one of the most important.
dougtone / Flickr
And, of course, it stands tall and unmissable over the Piscataqua River.
By JayDuck - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
To most folks driving to and from Maine, the view might look a lot like this. Lanes of I-95 making their way speedily and efficiently over the river.
By Nick Ares - originally posted to Flickr as Piscataqua River Bridge, CC BY-SA 2.0
But there's more to is than just road. The bridge, opened in 1972, is the first fixed crossing over the river between the two towns.
ndanger / Flickr
Work on the bridge began in 1968 and didn't finish until 1971. It's not easy building a bridge over a river that allows folks to more easily cross to a new state!
steveritchie / Flickr
And, for one of the most trafficked bridges in the state, it somehow still manages to carry the calm that being in New Hampshire brings about.
Gregory Rosic / Google
Even those who use the bridge often, might not know that tragedy struck during its construction. In 1970, two beams supporting the building efforts on the Kittery side of the bridge broke down. Four workers fell 75-feet to the death and another 7 were injured.
Kevin Vakalis / Google
A memorial sign can be found on the Maine side, under the bridge.
anitagould / Flickr
While utilitarian, this bridge is also lovely to cross. The views over the water and into Portsmouth remind us just how bustling the small city really is.

The Piscataqua River Bridge links Portsmouth, New Hampshire with Kittery, Maine. For directions on how to access it, click here.

Interested in more of the state’s bridges? This day trip takes you to 9 of New Hampshire’s covered bridges and it’s perfect for a scenic drive.

Address: Kittery, ME 03904, USA