What's New

The Stark Street Bridge will be closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic beginning on Monday, January 29th. The bridge will be completely replaced and will not be reopen until Columbus Day. Temporary lane closures on the Route 1 Bypass will be permitted during working operations. Additionally, brief complete traffic shut downs will be allowed on the Bypass between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The City of Portsmouth is seeking public input on proposed design alternatives for the Maplewood Avenue Downtown Complete Streets Project. The scope of this project is to develop a “complete street” design for Maplewood Avenue between Congress Street and Raynes Avenue. This project is identified as a high priority project in the City’s 2014 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and the goals are to enhance the comfort, appeal and safety for all travelers along this approximately ½ mile corridor.

Brian Goetz, Portsmouth’s Deputy Director of Public Works, received the 2017 Award of Merit from the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA), the region’s largest and oldest not-for-profit organization of water works professionals.

The City will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday, January 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Department of Public Works Building at 680 Peverly Hill Road. The Outer Islington Street sidewalk project between Plains Avenue and Essex Avenue that started construction on last fall is scheduled to be completed this Spring. The City is now considering extending the limits of this project to include the area from Essex Avenue to Rutland Street (indicated below).

Public Works crews are continuing their snow clean-up efforts this week with another overnight snow load out in the downtown area. Beginning at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9th, Public Works crews will be conducting a downtown snow load out in order to clear streets and improve safety. These operations will continue throughout the night into early Wednesday morning. Therefore, all vehicles must be removed off the posted downtown City streets prior to the times displayed per area on the map below.

Beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 7th, Public Works crews will be conducting a downtown snow load out in order to clear streets and improve safety. These operations will continue throughout the night into early Monday morning. Therefore, all vehicles must be removed off downtown City streets prior to the times displayed per area on the map below. This map indicates the planned routes crews will be addressing in phases throughout the evening. Residents are encouraged to place their cars in the High-Hanover Garage where a $3 parking fee will apply until 8:00 a.m.

The Department of Public Works’ Snow Related Impacts webpage contains all relevant information snow emergency and parking ban announcements.

City Hall, the Library and all recreation facilities will be closing at 1:00 p.m. today due to the anticipated intensity of this snow storm.  All facilities will reopen tomorrow at normal hours.

Due to the current weather forecast, COAST has decided to cancel all public transit service for tomorrow, January 4th, 2018. Please click here for full details, and visit http://www.coastbus.org for ongoing updates. The expectation is that COAST will return to regular operations on Friday, January 5th. 

Extreme cold temperatures are continuing well into 2018, and the Portsmouth Water Department wants to remind residents of the importance of protecting their pipes. Please review this page to understand your responsibilities and helpful tips to prevent your pipes from freezing.