One of Manchester’s major crossings over the Merrimack River has been closed until further notice after inspectors identified possible structural deficiencies.
The Queen City Bridge—which carries Route 3 across the Merrimack River—was closed to traffic in both directions Monday after the New Hampshire Department of Transportation notified Manchester officials of potential structural concerns found during a routine inspection.
A full inspection had not yet been completed when the closure was announced. Manchester officials said the decision to close the bridge was made to protect the safety of the traveling public.
“We will continue to keep the public informed as the inspection is complete, and will provide updates and plans for traffic as information becomes available,” the city said in its announcement.
The city continues to list the bridge as closed until further notice.
Extent of Possible Structural Issues Remains Unclear
Officials have not publicly disclosed exactly what inspectors discovered or how serious the potential deficiencies may be.
According to the New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester Public Works Director Tim Clougherty said Monday that crews were still assessing the bridge and that his department did not yet have additional details to release.
Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais said he has remained in contact with Clougherty and has also spoken directly with New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte about the situation.
The Queen City Bridge is over 100 years old, and has been reconstructed numerous times.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will share additional information as soon as the inspection is complete and further details become available,” Ruais said. “The safety of our residents and those who travel through Manchester remains our highest priority.”
Until the inspection is completed, it remains unclear how long the bridge could remain closed or what repairs may be necessary.
Closure Impacts Major Manchester Route
The Queen City Bridge serves as an important connection between both sides of Manchester.
The bridge carries Route 3 over the Merrimack River and provides access toward Elm Street and Elliot Hospital at River’s Edge on the east side of the river and Second Street on the west side, according to New Hampshire Public Radio.
The Union Leader reports that the bridge typically carries nearly 30,000 vehicles per day, making the closure likely to have a noticeable impact on traffic elsewhere in the city as drivers seek alternate routes.
Manchester officials have since published information regarding detours associated with the closure. Motorists traveling through the area should expect changes to normal traffic patterns while the bridge remains unavailable.
Queen City Bridge Dates Back More Than a Century
The Queen City Bridge was originally constructed in 1923, making the structure more than 100 years old.
State records cited by NBC Boston list the bridge at approximately 1,186 feet long. The bridge underwent major rehabilitation work in 2020.
More recently, the bridge was removed from New Hampshire’s Red List in 2024 following improvements to its deck, according to a New Hampshire Department of Transportation inspection report cited by NBC Boston. The Red List identifies state and municipal bridges that have been classified as structurally deficient.
The discovery of possible deficiencies during the latest routine inspection does not yet indicate the extent of the problem. Additional information is expected once transportation officials complete their assessment.
For now, the Queen City Bridge remains closed to traffic in both directions until further notice. Manchester officials are asking motorists to seek alternate routes and say additional information will be released as it becomes available.
