The Maine DOT bridged South Bristol’s troubled waters Thursday when residents approved a preliminary conceptual plan to replace the swing bridge over “The Gut.”
“I am so relieved. The renderings (of the proposed bridge) will make me sleep better at night,” said Barbara Pickett, who lives next to the swinging bridge over the tiny opening separating Rutherford Island from the mainland.
Cautioning the audience that plans are not set in stone, DOT planner Duane Scott called the approval meeting the “end of the beginning” of the process to replace the bridge.
Replacement of the failing and unreliable mechanical structure, constructed in 1933, has been a contentious community issue since 2000. Other meetings with DOT officials have erupted into shouting matches with some citizens breaking into applause when an earlier version was dubbed “ugly.” Town officials say vocal opponents have delayed the project.
Additional details on the community meeting with Maine DOT officials can be found in March 18 edition of The Lincoln County News.