BRUNSWICK
The Brunswick Town Council tonight will consider officially endorsing the replacement of the Frank J. Woods Bridge.
The Maine Department of Transportation is recommending replacing the bridge with a new structure to be located upstream.
Known as the “Green Bridge,” it is described in the draft resolution as “the main link spanning the Androscoggin River between the lower village of Topsham and downtown Brunswick.”
The resolution cites the “accelerating deterioration in the condition of the existing bridge; increasing maintenance and inspection costs associated with a rehabilitated bridge; adverse impacts to local businesses arising from repeated, lengthy closures required for rehabilitation; significantly longer life span of and lower lifecycle costs of a new bridge; safer transportation facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists” as cause for replacement.
The resolution also calls for a new bridge that “best meets the public’s transportation needs while incorporating, to the extent technically and financially feasible, the aesthetic and functional preferences of both Topsham and Brunswick,” and calls for the town to join with Topsham to form a joint advisory committee to work with MDOT on the new design.
There was a mixed response to replacing the 84-year-old structure at a Topsham selectmen’s meeting late last month.
A new bridge would cost $12 million to $13 million, would increase safety and mobility, and have a life span of 100 years. The old bridge would remain during construction so traffic wouldn’t be impacted.
Also tonight, the council will consider:
• Setting a June 6 hearing to amend shoreland zoning requirements in relation to thresholds to require review of filling and earthmoving activities within the Natural Resource Protection Zone and to repeal a moratorium on new development in the NRPZ.
• An ordinance allowing the expenditure of $200,000 to remove and replace window trim at Town Hall through a bond.
• A special permit to establish a bakery at 54 Cumberland St., namely Wildflours Gluten- Free Bakery, whose Maine Street location was destroyed by a fire five years ago.
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