The South Bristol swing bridge opened for the last time Friday, Oct. 30, however, it did not go without a fight.
As residents looked on, the 82-year-old bridge got stuck and needed to be pushed by a forklift in order to start moving. When it came time for the bridge to open the remaining few feet, the bridge stopped again and needed a chain and come-along to complete the trip.
Ken Maguire, of South Bristol, said although he was looking forward to the new bridge, it was bittersweet to see the old one open for the last time.
“That bridge was older than I am,” Maguire said. “It was on its last legs and needed to be replaced, but it’s still sad.”
Maine Department of Transportation Project Manager Michael Wight said the project continues to run on schedule. Cianbro, of Pittsfield, will be demolishing and removing the swing bridge during the next two weeks. The construction company will then begin work on the new bascule bridge, a type of drawbridge.
The channel under the bridge closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Oct. 15 to 20.
Starting Oct. 21, the channel was closed to all boat traffic and will remain closed until May 22, 2016.
The one-lane temporary bridge opened to traffic Friday, Oct. 30, the same day the swing bridge opened for the last time. Wight asked drivers to follow traffic signs and have patience while using the temporary bridge.
“It is fairly narrow, and we want everyone to be safe,” Wight said.
The new bridge is scheduled to open to traffic May 28, 2016, at which point the temporary bridge will be removed. The $10,995,622 project is scheduled to be completed by November 2016.
