The Maine Department of Transportation won an award for the South Bristol bridge project in the Northeast regional America’s Transportation Awards competition.
The award was for Best Use of Technology and Innovation in the small category.
When the Maine Department of Transportation was faced with the $11 million replacement of an iconic swing bridge across the scenic Gut in South Bristol, the challenges were many, including conflicting community values, a highly congested worksite, bedrock with no overburden, and heavy year-round navigation and traffic.
Project work included building the actual bridge replacement, construction of an operator’s house, new traffic warning systems, and approach work. The DOT utilized a cable-stayed superstructure, which allowed the span to be counterweighted without a cross-counterweight, making wary residents happy with the aesthetically pleasing appearance and cutting the foundation costs. The DOT also incorporated flood-resistant machinery enclosures so the swing bridge wouldn’t be shut down during higher tides, keeping residents connected and safer.
