LAKEPORT — The railroad drawbridge over Paugus Bay was not operational most of the summer, putting a temporary halt to scenic railway travel.

Just in time for Laconia Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25, the drawbridge has been repaired, and train rides scheduled for during the festival and the evening before are full steam ahead.

“A problem was identified with the hydraulic system responsible for raising and lowering the bridge at the end of June, requiring the bridge to be closed to railroad traffic,” Jennifer Lane, chief communications officer for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, said. “We are pleased to report that the issue has been resolved, and the drawbridge has been fully operational since Friday, Sept. 19.”

The drawbridge is owned by NHDOT, but maintenance is

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