The heat wave of 2010 claimed another victim Aug. 31 as the Southport Bridge was knocked out of operation due to an electrical shortage.
High temperatures are believed to have caused an undue expansion of the metal, causing a subsequent burnout of the electrical system. Coast Guard officials were notified of the problem at 2:45 p.m. and are urging mariners to use caution.
“Please know the depth of your vessel when attempting to navigate,” said Coast Guard spokesman Justin Young.
At press time Sept. 1, the closure was expected to last a full 24 hours. Electricians and structural engineers were in route in hopes of diagnosing the problem before the busy holiday weekend, traditionally a time of increased boating activity. The closure will not affect motor vehicle traffic.
According to the National Weather Service, the meteorological period between March and August was Maine’s warmest on record in more than a century. Globally, 17 nations have recorded all time high temperatures this year, the most ever.
