Astonished by the traffic conditions on the Richmond-Dresden Bridge last week, Maine Senator Susan Collins (R) said she understood the need for replacing the aging structure.
“I can see why it’s an urgent priority to replace [the bridge],” Collins said during a visit to the site Dec. 2.
Collins said her black sports utility vehicle had a close call with a passing truck on its way to the Dresden side of the bridge.
Collins, the ranking Republican member of the Senate’s Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, expressed optimism that a proposed replacement bridge would receive some federal funding.
“I’m hopeful about the chances of this application,” Collins said.
Maine is seeking a federal $10.8 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. The grant would cover roughly half of the new bridge’s $25 million price tag, with the remainder being contributed by the state.
“We like to see this kind of commitment at the state level,” Collins said.
Collins cautioned, however, that TIGER grants are heavily sought nationwide. With many of America’s roads and bridges outdated, states are desperately seeking federal funds to help repair crumbling infrastructure.
“There is a huge backlog of projects in the United States,” Collins said. “There are thousands of applications for these funds.”
Collins said she would try to use her influence on the Appropriations Subcommittee to get the project funded.
According to MDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt, a replacement for the Richmond-Dresden Bridge was a top priority of the department.
“The bridge ranks number one on the list of MDOT projects,” he said.
Bernhardt gave Collins a guided tour of the Dresden portion of the bridge during her visit Dec. 2.
The Richmond-Dresden Bridge, also known as the Maine Kennebec Bridge, connects the towns of Richmond and Dresden along Rt. 197. Built in 1931, the swing span bridge is ill-suited for some commercial traffic. Trucks are often forced to cross in the middle of the bridge rather than either lane because the side beams are too low.
According to MDOT, some 3000 vehicles cross the bridge each day.
The new bridge would be built beside the old one. The center of the new bridge would have a high enough arch to allow for boat traffic along the Kennebec River.
According to MDOT’s TIGER-3 grant application, the Richmond-Dresden Bridge has been classified as “Structurally Deficient” by the Federal Highway Administration. Bernhardt stressed, however, that the bridge was structurally sound and safe for traffic up to 100,000 pounds.
Should the project receive funding, construction could begin as soon as 2013 with the new bridge opening to traffic in 2015.
A public hearing will be held Wed. Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Pownalborough Hall in Dresden to discuss the proposed bridge.