Memorial Bridge

Memorial Bridge is a steel vertical-lift bridge that spans the Piscataqua River, connecting Portsmouth in New Hampshire to Kittery in Maine. The moving span rises to allow tall ships to pass underneath while vehicles and pedestrians continue crossing above.

The original structure opened in 1923 as a memorial to New Hampshire soldiers who died in World War I. A replacement bridge with modern engineering replaced it in the early 2000s.

The bridge serves as a connector between two states, representing the shared heritage of New England communities through its architectural design.

The bridge handles car traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists at the same time, and lifts regularly to let vessels pass. It helps to allow extra time if you're crossing during periods when boat traffic is active.

A five-year-old child cut the ribbon at the original bridge's opening ceremony, and years later she went on to lead her community in public office. This accidental connection between a child and a historic moment makes the bridge's story deeply personal to locals.

Location: New Hampshire

Location: Maine

Inception: August 8, 2013

Official opening: August 8, 2013

GPS coordinates: 43.07940,-70.75250

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00