KENNEBUNKPORT — Construction continues on the Mathew J. Lanigan bridge, and state officials say the project is on track to be completed on time. 

Construction of a $2.7 million state project to replace the existing bridge — which carries Route 9 over the Kennebunk River and connects the Lower Village of Kennebunk to Kennebunkport’s Dock Square — began on Dec. 26.

The bridge, which was built as a swing span bridge in 1933, has not opened for boat traffic in several years, and town officials say recent inspections have deemed the bridge structurally deficient. The bridge’s beams are subject to widespread steel corrosion and needs to be rehabilitated, according to town officials. 

The existing bridge is named for former Kennebunkport Selectman and business owner Mathew Lanigan, who died at 48 in 2012. Lanigan was the longtime owner of The Emporium, a gift shop in downtown Kennebunkport. 

The new bridge will be wider than its predecessor, with six-foot sidewalks on either side. There will also be cantilevered viewing outlooks on both sides at the center of the bridge, according to the Maine Department of Transportation. 

MDOT says the project is being done in stages to accommodate the tourism economy of the region, with the first phase currently underway. 

From now until March 4, travel across the bridge has been reduced to one lane of alternating traffic controlled with a traffic signal, while a temporary pedestrian bridge is constructed. 

MDOT resident engineer John Auger said Thursday the first phase is progressing as planned. 

“We’re right on schedule,” Auger said. “The original posted closure date is right on track.” 

Auger also said workers are in the process of constructing retaining walls on the Kennebunk side approach of the bridge. 

From March 5 through mid-April, the bridge will be fully closed to allow the contractor to complete a majority of the work. From mid-April until Memorial Day, the bridge will return to one lane of alternating traffic. 

The completed new bridge is slated to open by Memorial Day. 

 — Staff Writer Alan Bennett can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or abennett@journaltribune.com. 

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