Construction Impacts

Current and upcoming construction work that may affect travel, parking, utilities, or access across Portsmouth. The list below pulls the latest updates directly from each project page.

  1. Contract One Sewer Rehabilitation

    Water Started

    1. Week of 8-17-26

      Lining of pipes begins this week. Outflow will bypass around the sewer work and no water restrictions will be in place. This is purely informational as crews will be in the following areas. The schedule is as follows:

      • Monday- Marjorie, Sylvester and Middle Roads
      • Tuesday -  Portsmouth Boulevard/Osprey
      • Wednesday -  Winchester Streets
      • Thursday Blue Heron Drive & Heritage Avenue
      • Friday - Marriott & Holiday

    View full project page →

  2. Pavement Management

    PublicWorks Started

    1. Week of 8-17-26

      Middle St.

      • Jackhammering for Phase 2 of Middle Street work expected to start Friday, August 21.

      Line Painting
      - Crosswalk painting in the Parrott Avenue area will occur this week.

    View full project page →

  3. Miscellaneous Maintenance

    City Started

    1. Jay McCance Smith Park

      August 3, 2026

      Refurbishment work is underway at Jay McCance Smith Park. Improvements include leveling and repairing brick surfaces and general park enhancements. Work is expected to take approximately two weeks, with a new bronze bust and new plantings to follow.

      Project Information:

      At the March 16, 2026 City Council meeting, the City Council authorized to expend up to $26,000 from the Lower State Street Pocket Park (Jay Smith) Trust to cover the cost of maintenance improvements to the park. 

      The City of Portsmouth is undertaking a rehabilitation of Jay Smith Park, a pocket park on Lower State Street, to better honor the legacy of community leader, philanthropist, and Press Room founder Jay Smith. The project is being led by landscape architect Terrence Parker in collaboration with the City's Department of Public Works.

      Planned improvements include the installation of a new bronze bust of Jay Smith, created by artist Carl Aichele, along with an interpretive plaque highlighting Smith's contributions to Portsmouth's cultural and civic life. The project will also enhance the park's visibility and accessibility through updated landscaping, new plantings, replacement of overgrown lilacs with lower-profile varieties, and repairs to aging brick pathways. Existing mature shade trees and the park's overall character will be preserved.

    View full project page →

  4. Vaughan Mall

    City Conceptual Design

    1. Vaughan Mall Restoration Project Public Information Session

      The Vaughan Mall Restoration Project Public Information Session will be held on Wednesday, July 22nd from 6:30-8 pm in the Levenson Room at the Library. 

    View full project page →