CONCORD - Governor John Lynch and the Executive Council today approved a $50 million contract that will allow construction on the Little Bay Bridge, a critical transportation link on the Seacoast, to begin immediately.

The $50 million contract is the first phase in the $238 million reconstruction of the bridges that carry the Spaulding Turnpike over Little Bay from Newington to Dover. The bridge will be widened from four to eight lanes.

"The area around the bridge is a source of congestion during peak commuting hours so it is important for public safety, for economic growth and for the quality of life of our people that we move forward with this critical transportation project," said Governor John Lynch. "We made it a priority to widen the Spaulding Turnpike through Rochester and that project, along with the Little Bay bridges project and the opening new high speed toll lanes in Hampton, will greatly improve transportation on the Seacoast."