Route 302 Set To Reopen Tomorrow

Nearly three weeks after taking heavy damage from Tropical Storm Irene, Route 302 at Hart’s Location is set to reopen to traffic tomorrow.  A press release from Governor John Lynch’s office notes the reopening is nearly a week ahead of schedule.

Jennifer Cochran / Flickr

With both major east-west highways through the White Mountains open by tomorrow, the region is ready to host hoardes of fall foliage tourists.

Lynch pushed for the White Mountains repairs in advance of heavy foliage tourism traffic.

For more immediate tourism concerns, the Loon Mountain Pedestrian Bridge also opened last weekend, in time for the start of the Highland Games today in Lincoln.  As the Union-Leader reports,

“Lincoln welcomes the Highland Games this weekend despite a collapsed town bridge that links Loon Mountain Resort with the Kancamagus Highway. The bridge partially collapsed several days after suffering damage from Irene. A Bailey-style bridge will allow for foot traffic and a bridge and road to Loon’s South Peak will also provide access to the Highland Games.”

Although there are some roads that are still a bit rough, they’re at least open.  Paula Tracy of the Union-Leader did note an exception,

“The historic Blair Coverered Bridge in Campton, however, remains closed. Dout Gosling, DOT bridge maintenance administrator, said the bridge is a town bridge and is likely eligible for federal disaster assistance.

Residents and businesses near the long-span bridge over the Pemigewasset are anxious to see it reopen after a tree went through its side during the high water. The closure of the bridge requires an extra eight- to nine-mile ride in either direction.”