PORTSMOUTH—Railroad owner CSX will begin critical repair work at the railroad crossing on Market Street to replace their tracks into the Port Authority. CSX has advised the City that this is emergency work and could not wait until January when the work could have been more optimally coordinated. Traffic flow will be maintained on Market Street during initial work on Tuesday, Dec. 17. 

Beginning at 9:15 am on Wednesday, Dec. 18 and throughout the day on Thursday, Dec. 19, the area in the immediate vicinity of the railroad crossing section of Market Street will be completely closed. The road will reopen as soon as the emergency repairs are completed with the anticipation of one lane opened to traffic midday on Thursday. 

The Market Street inbound detour will re-route traffic to Route 1 Bypass. Outbound traffic will be re-routed from Middle Street to Lafayette Road or along Islington Street. Variable message boards have been deployed and detour signage will be implemented. Traffic control police officers will be present in several areas across the City for the duration of this work.
 

Access to Downtown Portsmouth:

During this time, the Maplewood Avenue Bridge will be temporarily reopened. Work on Islington Street will stop all day Wednesday and for Thursday morning’s commute to allow the use of both lanes.

Northbound from I-95: 

• Use Exit 3 to Islington or Middle Road, or;
• Use Exit 5 to the Traffic Circle to Route 1 Bypass South to either Hodgdon Way or Lafayette Road and Middle Street.

Southbound from I-95

• Use Exit 5 to the Traffic Circle to Route 1 Bypass South to either Hodgdon Way or Lafayette Road and Middle Street.

From: Spaulding Turnpike:

• Use the Traffic Circle to either Hodgdon Way or Lafayette Road and Middle Street.

Large vehicles should use Middle Street and Lafayette Road as the Bartlett Street railroad bridge has low clearance.