Bridge on the block

Memorial Bridge may be closed to motor vehicles, but it could have other uses. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has put the 88-year-old structure on the auction block. Bidders may make an offer on the entire structure, the Portsmouth or Kittery ends, or the middle that lifts to allow traffic on the river below. Bidding starts at $1, and federal and state funding is available for the removal of the sections. The bridge was closed to motor vehicles late last month because of its deteriorating condition. A replacement is expected to be built by the end of 2014. The current bridge has been put on the auction block as a requirement for federal funding. - Tom Long