The Maine Department of Transportation is set to begin repairs to the Barter’s Island drawbridge in the town of Boothbay, and motorists should expect to see construction activity beginning the week of Jan. 11.
Construction is expected to be completed by May 1. During the construction period, there will be periods of one way, alternating traffic over the bridge, and several complete closures of the bridge. The complete closures are expected to last for approximately two hours. An electronic message board will be utilized to inform motorists of each expected full closure.
Crews will be replacing a number of structural steel stringers underneath the bridge. Staging will be set under to the bridge to use as a work platform. Crews will start work on the island side of the channel first, then move the staging to the mainland side in order to complete the repair work. Lights will be placed on all four corners of the staging to identify the structure to boating traffic.
This is phase II of the Barter’s Island Drawbridge Rehabilitation. Phase I was completed last winter.
