Merrimack Prepares For Bridge Replacement, Traffic Delays Coming

MERRIMACK, NH — Drivers should expect delays in the area of the Bedford Road bridge starting next week, as the project to replace the red-listed bridge moves forward. According to town officials, Eversource has temporarily moved its overhead lines from that area, allowing workers to begin constructing a detour road as part of the project. The detour road will be used temporarily while the bridge is being replaced.

On Monday, the contractor on the job is scheduled to mobilize the crane and other equipment in the area, which will affect traffic. One-way alternating traffic controlled by a traffic signal will be in effect beginning Monday. Drivers are asked to use caution and expect delays as they travel through the work zone.

Merrimack's Bedford Road bridge is one of three town-owned bridges that are on the state's Red List of bridges that are structurally in poor condition. The existing bridge will be removed, and a new bridge built by E.D. Swett will be installed in its place. The temporary detour road will then be removed, and the project is expected to be completed in 2020, public works officials previously said.