Reminders of New Hampshire’s historic past can be found across the State—including in our bridges and roadways. The General Sullivan Bridge is among such icons. Since 1934, this distinctive structure has united the Town of Newington with the City of Dover at the confluence of Little Bay and the Piscataqua River. Although the bridge no longer carries vehicular traffic, it still offers several uses to the public—it provides a critical connection for pedestrians and bicyclists, and recreational fishing areas are located near each end. For these reasons, the General Sullivan Bridge is important to maintaining the vibrancy of these communities.

As part of the Spaulding Turnpike Newington-Dover Project, the NHDOT and FHWA have evaluated the rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge. On February 17, 2022, the FHWA approved a combined Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS)/Supplemental Record of Decision (SROD) for the proposed replacement of the General Sullivan Bridge. The Selected Alternative will involve replacement of the historic GSB, which spans the navigational channel of Little Bay between Newington and Dover. The replacement bridge (identified as “Alternative 9” in the FSEIS/SROD) involves the complete removal and replacement of the GSB superstructure with a new steel bridge following the existing GSB alignment, thereby allowing the reuse of the existing GSB stone masonry piers.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), NHDOT and FHWA invited members of the public to provide comments on the 2021 DSEIS, and on May 13, 2021, NHDOT and FHWA held a Public Hearing to present the findings of the 2021 DSEIS. FHWA and NHDOT evaluated and considered all feedback throughout this process. The Selected Alternative was the subject of NHDOT's May 13, 2021 Public Hearing and 2021 DSEIS, and will be the subject of required federal and state permit applications, approvals, or certifications.

Throughout the process, the Department is committed to engaging the public and other stakeholders. Working together, we will not only enhance and improve the transportation network for all users—but we will have successfully concluded one of the largest transportation projects in the State of New Hampshire.