NH-Vt. bridge problems confirmed; weight limit is likely

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 2 hours, 17 minutes ago LEBANON – Businesses in New Hampshire and Vermont are bracing for major changes because of weight restrictions on a bridge connecting the states, as officials in both states work to ease the pain. Inspectors have verified significant corrosion and rust on the Route 4 bridge over the Connecticut River between Lebanon and White River Junction and were imposing a permanent, 10-ton, weight restriction, as early as yesterday. "We've confirmed that it's in very bad shape," Mark Richardson, of New Hampshire's Bridge Design Bureau, told The Valley News in Lebanon. Businesses and transportation officials say the restriction will prompt higher prices for some industrial goods and heavier truck traffic in Hanover and Vermont towns such as Norwich and Wilder. Heavy trucks from Lebanon will... [read full story]