Bridges past their prime

Sagamore Creek Bridge Replacement

The original 400-foot Sagamore Bridge spanned Sagamore Creek, a tidal, navigable channel. In such a harsh, saltwater environment that was also compounded by road salt carryover, the bridge had suffered severe deterioration and was slated for replacement.

The City of Portsmouth asked our team to handle design for the scheduled replacement. Unfortunately, an inspection revealed that emergency repairs were required to ensure that the bridge could continue serving the community until it was replaced. Following our detailed under-bridge inspection and our emergency repair contract, we provided resident engineering services during the repairs, which were completed during a short two-week bridge closure.

After that, we completed design and NEPA documentation for the full bridge replacement. Respectful of the city’s relationship to the existing Sagamore Bridge, our design of the replacement bridge remained true to the original structure’s historical character. The design also improved boater access by increasing vertical clearance by almost three feet.  

With a wider construction, the City of Portsmouth’s new Sagamore Creek crossing is allowing easier and safer vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle use.