PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) - Transportation officials say a lightning strike has damaged gauges on a lift bridge between Maine and New Hampshire, limiting automobile traffic.

 

Maine Department of Transportation spokesman Ted Talbot says the gates were stuck in the down position, limiting the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge to one-way traffic Monday afternoon. Officials also say marine traffic on the river below was halted because the lift was in the down position.

 

New Hampshire DOT spokesman Bill Boynton says the lightning strike happened as the lift was in operation but that it was safely lowered. No one was hurt.

 

The bridge over the Piscataqua River connects Portsmouth to Kittery, Maine, and is getting heavier-than-normal use during demolition of the old Memorial Bridge.

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