PORTSMOUTH - The float-out of the Memorial Bridge lift span has been delayed once again.

The lift span is scheduled to be removed between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. tomorrow.

The removal of the lift span requires the use of two 250-ton cranes on barges, four tugboats, and the "Cape Cod," which carries four towers equipped with 300-ton hydraulic jacks.

The process begins with positioning the crane barges adjacent to the navigation channel and the "Cape Cod" under the lift span. The barge is scheduled to be moved to the center of the channel underneath the lift span between 6 and 8 p.m. tonight.

On Wednesday, the wire ropes connecting the lift span to the counterweights will be cut, freeing the two-million pound lift span. The barge will then be moved by the tugboats out of the main navigational channel and over to an area near Prescott Park or the Port Authority Pier, depending on the time of removal, to be secured for shipment.

The public is welcome to observe the lift span removal and float-out operations from safe nearby locations, including Prescott Park, Four Tree Island and Peirce Island.

Views of the bridge from portsmouthwebcam.com:
► Memorial Bridge West
► Memorial Bridge East
► Memorial Bridge Weathervane
► Memorial Bridge Cam4