The states of New Hampshire and Maine have reached a $1.3 million settlement with the owner of a tanker that struck the Sarah Long Bridge, forcing it to close for a six-week period last year.
Last April, the Portuguese tanker Harbour Feature broke loose from its mooring, striking the bridge that connects Portsmouth with Kittery, Maine.
New Hampshire Department of Transportation spokesman Bill Boynton says the $1.3 million settlement is split evenly between the two states.
“We fronted the funds necessary to fund the repairs and we’re being reimbursed 50/50 for the costs involved.”
Boynton says the tanker caused significant damage to beams and cross members.
He says the settlement fully covers the cost of the repairs.
The agreement led to the dismissal of lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court jointly by the two states against the tanker’s owner.
