By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Cornshop Bridge on Depot Streetis showing its age.

Built in 1947, the bridge spans Stevens Brook, and is targeted by the Maine Department of Transportation for replacement in 2025. 

MDOT is in the preliminary phase of the project, producing a “scope of work” video outlining why the bridge needs to be replaced and the current plan. The state is also looking for public comments. 

To view the 5 minute, 26 second video, go to http://mainedot.gov/vpi

Julie Brask, MDOT’s project manager, said the bridge replacement will use both state and federal funding. The project will be advertised in 2024 with construction not likely until 2025. 

Theproject consists of a full replacement of the bridge on the current alignment. The width of the bridge will be increased to allow for a sidewalk. It is proposed that the bridge will be closed during construction with traffic detoured to Route 302. 

Design Engineer Lauren Flanders of Stantec said the project is currently in preliminary design phase with officials gathering information and looking at alternatives.

The bridge is 40 feet, 2 inches steel simple span with reinforced concrete deck. It is 22 feet curb to curb with a painted sidewalk on the upstream side.

Flanders said the stacked granite abutments, which predate 1947 bridge construction, are in “poor condition,” noting that the timber grillage is “rotting.”

Flanders described the granite abutment as having “many wide, deep voids and evidence of shifting/settling, including cracked and out-of-plumb stones.” She added that the northeast wingwall has severe damage — “it has failed and slumped into the river.”

Other existing problems include:

• Exterior beams are heavily corroded including “holes and heavy flaking” rust

• Interior beams have freckled rust and deteriorated paint and are “heavily deteriorated” at the ends

• The deck has multiple areas of poorly consolidated concrete with exposed, corroded rebar

• The paved wearing surface has numerous small cracks

• The guardrail is substandard for safety for a bridge of this length and height over water, and the curb is deteriorated (last replaced in 1989).

MDOT is considering “On-Alignment Replacement,” which means the new bridge will be built in the same location as the existing bridge.

Flanders said the span will be between 40 and 60 feet, will include either precast NEXT Beams with cast-in-place concrete deck or composite “G” beams with a cast-in-place concrete deck, and curb-to-curb width will be increased.

The plan calls for replacing the painted sidewalk with a raised sidewalk on the upstream side.

Flanders noted that “closing the bridge during construction is the best option for traffic control.”

MDOT’s schedule:

• November 2022, on-demand preliminary public meeting

• July 2023, preliminary plan complete

• August 2023, On-Demand formal public meeting

• Early 2025, construction begins

To comment or for more information on the proposal, e-mail Julie.Brask@maine.govand mention Bridgton Bridge, #0318, Work ID: 026236.00.