Rt 125 pedestrian bridge over Cocheco closed

ROCHESTER - Effective immediately the City of Rochester is closing the pedestrian bridge over the Cocheco River, which is adjacent to Route 125 immediately north of Brock Street.

A recent inspection conducted by the State of New Hampshire Department of Transportation found that the bridge was in a condition that posed a threat to public safety. The city followed up with its own engineering inspection and concurred with the assessment.

Department of Public Works staff is working to provide temporary pedestrian access within the Route 125 roadway. Traffic lanes will be shifted with new pavement marking and striping. A temporary pedestrian path will be installed adjacent to traffic. The temporary path will include barriers to enhance the safety of pedestrians. Digital sign boards have been implemented to alert motorists that travel lanes have been narrowed.

The bridge will be reopened as soon as all safety issues have been addressed, city officials say.