Memorial Bridge | Concord NH

Information

Landmark: Memorial Bridge
City: Concord NH
Country: USA New Hampshire
Continent: North America

Memorial Bridge, Concord NH, USA New Hampshire, North America

The Memorial Bridge is a historic bascule bridge spanning the Merrimack River in Concord, New Hampshire. It connects the downtown area with the East Concord neighborhood.

Visual Characteristics

Constructed primarily of steel, the bridge features a distinctive bascule (drawbridge) mechanism. The deck is asphalt, and the supporting piers are concrete. The overall structure is utilitarian, designed for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The steel components are painted a dark gray.

Location & Access Logistics

The Memorial Bridge is located at the eastern terminus of Main Street in Concord, NH. It is approximately 1.5 km east of the Concord State House. Parking is available in the downtown area on Main Street and adjacent side streets, with metered parking and some free lots. Public transport options include Concord Area Transit (CAT) bus routes that stop near the bridge on Main Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Memorial Bridge was constructed in 1937 as a project funded by the Public Works Administration. It was built to replace an older, narrower bridge and to commemorate New Hampshire soldiers who served in World War I. The bridge's design is a Scherzer rolling lift bascule, a common type for its era.

Key Highlights & Activities

Pedestrian access is provided via sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. Observation of the bascule mechanism is possible when the bridge is raised for river traffic. Walking or cycling across the bridge offers views of the Merrimack River and the surrounding cityscape.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The bridge has sidewalks for pedestrians and cyclists. There are no dedicated restrooms or food vendors directly on the bridge. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Shade is minimal, provided only by the bridge structure itself during certain times of day.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the bridge structure. The bridge is accessible year-round. River traffic, which dictates bridge openings, is more frequent during warmer months.

Facts & Legends

During its construction, the bridge was a significant engineering undertaking for Concord. A local anecdote suggests that during the Great Depression, the project provided much-needed employment for many local residents.