Replace the Bridge

I attended the MDOT Public Hearing about the replacement or rehabilitation of the Frank J. Wood Bridge.

I agree that the bridge is iconic in this region. I don’t think it is unique and we all know that although it was built in 1932 it is aging. The steel is pitted and its strength degraded. It is unsafe for people on bicycles, its sidewalk is inadequate to the need.

I did a little research about the metal truss bridges and about replacement rather than rehabilitation.

Virginia completed a study in 2006 about what it takes to rehabilitate a metal truss bridge. Based on my reading of this report, I think MDOT’s estimate for rehabilitation is actually much too low.

I understand wanting to keep things the same. I also know that a true rehabilitation of this bridge would require (as with the historic Swinging Bridge) dismantling, testing every part, replacing many parts. Much of the replacement parts would be made in China where initiatives in low cost bridge building and repair methods have been exploding.

I do believe our bridge should be replaced. I think 8-10 inch esplanades [or separate bike lanes and sidewalks] should be on each side of the bridge for people on bicycles, people pushing strollers, people using their lunch time out for a stroll, maybe even benches for lunch or just for a waterside break in the day. I envision planters and lights (such as on Bowdoin Mill Island) being placed between the road bed and the pedestrian/bicycle/ park area.

Let’s make our town connection better and safer. Spend the extra money not on retaining an icon that doesn’t serve to a new icon of 21st century community building. Let’s gather a group of engineers, citizens, architects and charrette a design for the 21st Century. This is possible. Let’s do it.

Join your community neighbors Monday, May 9 from 6-8 p.m. in the Topsham Municipal Building’s 1st floor conference room.

Nancy E. Randolph,
Topsham