PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — It’s going to cost more to illuminate a bridge connecting New Hampshire and Maine than planned.

The new Memorial Bridge is under construction and due to open this summer.

Lighting estimates have increased from $80,000 to as much as $200,000.

Peter Somssich, who heads a committee on the lighting, tells the Portsmouth Herald the increase stems in part from the cost of bringing wiring and lighting to the top of the towers to allow downward lighting. The lighting also includes the center-span deck, which would only turn on when the bridge is raised and lowered.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation says it is not paying for the lights. Residents say they can raise the money by the end of March.


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