The bridge has stood largely intact since it was constructed in the 1930s. Gail Klanchesser, supervisor of periodicals at the UNH Library, said she has seen kids jump from a tower-like structure of the bridge into the river below in summers past. The lofty counterweight she saw them jump off of is a relic of drawbridge days. It is slated to be demolished with the construction. The bridge has not functioned as a drawbridge for 25 years, Sawyer said.
Commuters can avoid delays by traveling in the early morning and late afternoon.
But for some student commuters, that is often not possible or convenient. It's not like the lower deck in Boston. Commuting on Route 4 was likely at its worst this summer when, in addition to bridge delays, drivers were stopped in Durham as town crews worked to extend the road's shoulder. Such double punches may be unlikely in the future, but bridge delays will be inevitable for those with schedules that require mid-day commuting on Route 4. Three UNH Alumni, Sawyer, and two technicians are at work on the bridge.