Historic New Hampshire bridge demolished for safety reasons

The 108-year-old Lilac Bridge in Hooksett was demolished Friday for safety reasons. The bridge over the Merrimack River was closed to traffic in 1976 but remained open to pedestrian traffic until this June. Town officials then told people to stay away from the area, particularly in the water underneath it, out of concerns that the bridge might collapse. Courtesy of Jeff Roche


A historic bridge in Hooksett has been demolished for safety reasons.

The 108-year-old Lilac Bridge on the Merrimack River was closed to traffic in 1976 but remained open to pedestrian traffic until this June. Town officials then told people to stay away from the area, particularly in the water underneath it, out of concerns that the bridge might collapse.

The bridge was listed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places. It was demolished on Friday afternoon.

The section of river will be closed until July 12.

http://www.concordmonitor.com/Historic-New-Hampshire-bridge-demolished-for-safety-reasons-11175698