Demolition of Gen. Sullivan Bridge Will Begin Soon
The state will remove the historic 1,528-foot structure spanning Little Bay starting the week of October 5, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The New Hampshire Department of Transportation is set to begin dismantling the 92-year-old Gen. Sullivan Bridge, a landmark that has stood over Little Bay since 1934. The demolition project, which follows the bridge's closure to pedestrians in 2018, is expected to span until summer 2027.
Why it matters
The removal addresses long-standing safety concerns after structural inspections revealed significant rusting and deterioration. By taking down the bridge, the state aims to mitigate hazards caused by the structure's aging condition.
The project involves a $28.5 million contract for the removal of the 1,528-foot steel structure. Work is funded by an 80% federal and 20% state cost-sharing agreement.
The players
New Hampshire Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of New Hampshire transportation infrastructure.
Reed & Reed Inc.
This construction firm holds the contract to perform the bridge demolition.
New Hampshire Executive Council
This governing body advises the governor and must approve major state contracts and expenditures.
The details
Contractor Reed & Reed Inc. will execute the project by cutting the structure into sections starting from the center of the span. Daily southbound lane closures and brief navigational channel interruptions will be managed using traffic control devices and uniformed officers.
Timeline
The Gen. Sullivan Bridge opened in 1934.
The bridge closed to vehicular traffic in 1984.
Pedestrian and bicyclist access ended in September 2018.
The demolition contract was approved on October 15, 2025.
Removal of the center bridge span begins the week of October 5, 2026.
Market Landscape
The demolition of the Gen. Sullivan Bridge represents a broader trend of decommissioning aging mid-20th-century infrastructure that no longer meets modern safety and maintenance standards. This project transitions the area away from maintaining obsolete steel spans in favor of updated transportation systems.
Commuters should anticipate daily southbound lane closures throughout the demolition period, which may impact travel times in the Dover and Newington area. Travelers are encouraged to monitor signage and traffic control devices to navigate the construction zone safely.
The takeaway
The demolition signifies the end of a 92-year lifespan for the Gen. Sullivan Bridge, highlighting the high costs associated with maintaining century-old transit infrastructure. Local drivers should plan for ongoing traffic delays as work continues through 2027.
What happens next
Lane closures for the demolition project are scheduled to continue through November 16, 2026, and the entire project is set to conclude in summer 2027.
Further reading
For more information on regional developments, visit the New Hampshire Openings & Closings section.
More information
For current project impacts, see the traffic and lane closure updates.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Seacoastonline.
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