One Of The Highest Bridges In The Whole Country Is Right Here In New Hampshire

The southeastern region of New Hampshire is one of the busiest in the state, due to its proximity to Massachusetts, as well as its status as a major corridor for vehicle traffic. Interstate 95 is the major artery through this part of the state, and one of its most prominent features is the Piscataqua River Bridge, which links New Hampshire to Maine. Come along as we show you why it is also one of the highest bridges in the U.S.

The Piscataqua River Bridge spans the Piscataqua River and connects Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Kittery, Maine.

The state line is in the center of the river and bridge. Construction of the Piscataqua River Bridge began in 1968, and its formal opening was in 1972.

The bridge spans the river at a length of 4,503 feet and is 135 feet tall at its highest point. The bridge carries tens of thousands of vehicles each day between the two states along a six-lane section of Interstate 95.

While located in both New Hampshire and Maine, the bridge is maintained by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

Midway through the construction of the bridge in 1970, an accident claimed the lives of four workers who plunged to their deaths. Another seven were injured.

On the Maine side of the river is a plaque under the bridge that memorializes the construction workers.

The nearby Memorial Bridge and the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge also cross the river and were built to accomodate ship traffic.

The Piscataqua River Bridge was built with a high arch design to eliminate the need for raising and lowering. If you like iconic bridges, you'll definitely appreciate this one.

A total of four construction companies worked on designing, fabricating, and building the bridge:

Bethlehem Steel Co. from Pennsylvania, Cianbro Corporation from Maine, Hardesty & Hanover from New York, and Cianchette Brothers, Inc. from Maine.

After its completion, the Piscataqua River Bridge won an "Award of Merit" from the American Institute of Steel Construction.

It was also given the distinction of the most outstanding new bridge in the nation by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is a big point of pride with people from New Hampshire and people from Maine.

Were you aware of the Piscataqua River Bridge height? For fans of highways and roads, what other bridges in Portsmouth, NH are favorites? What other interesting bridges are there in New Hampshire? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

If you're interested in making a weekend trip to Portsmouth, be sure to consider a stay at this tiny, historic doll house,

If you’re still in the mood for more New Hampshire adventures, take a look at this video: