I-95 security cameras to be installed on bridge

CONCORD, N.H. – Gov. John Lynch and the Executive Council approved a Homeland Security grant Friday to put security cameras on the Interstate 95 bridge between New Hampshire and Maine.

The decision had been delayed after councilors raised questions in January about who would monitor the cameras.

Michael Burlage, of the state Department of Transportation, told councilors the digital camera images will go to several different places, including security officials at the Pease International Tradeport.

At Pease, a special computer system will trigger an alarm if objects are seen in restricted areas, he said.

The computer also can be programmed to trigger a response to other potential hazards, for example if a vehicle parks near a major bridge support.

The cameras would monitor bridge traffic, the underside of the bridge and the Piscataqua River channel used by oil and natural gas tankers.