PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Transportation officials say a bridge between New Hampshire and Maine that was hit by an oil tanker will stay closed to vehicle traffic for two to four weeks.

New Hampshire Transportation Commissioner Chris Clement said Tuesday that four vertical trusses need to be fixed on the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge.

Clement and New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan visited the bridge and agreed he damage is significant.

The bridge’s center lift span is still functioning, however, allowing for boat traffic along the Piscataqua River.

The bridge is due for replacement in the next several years.

The oil tanker broke loose from a pier on Monday and struck the heavily traveled bridge connecting Portsmouth, N.H., to Kittery.


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