BRUNSWICK

While Topsham selectmen unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the Maine Department of Transportation’s recommendation to replace the Frank J. Wood Bridge last week, the Brunswick Town Council on Monday tabled a similar resolution with a 5-4 vote after several councilors asked to have more information about the proposed project.

MDOT has projected a new bridge would cost $13 million and last 100 years compared to a rehabilitation estimated to cost $10 million but with a life span of only 30 years.

The bridge proposal has repeatedly triggered a range of responses at Brunswick and Topsham meetings where officials have grappled with whether or not to endorse the project and appoint members to a joint Brunswick-Topsham advisory design committee. The committee would work with the MDOT on enhancing the bridge design.

The resolution was debated for more than 90 minutes Monday night before the council made the decision to table it, and finalize the questions it wants answered at its June 23 workshop.

Nearly 20 people, many from Topsham, stood at the podium to argue their case for why the council should or shouldn’t endorse the recommendation to replace the bridge. Much of the debate centered around whether the council needed to adopt the resolution to have a seat at the design table.

While Topsham selectmen adopted the resolution, they held off on appointing members to the joint advisory design team to consider a request to include a bridge-abutting Summer Street resident on the committee.

Brunswick Councilor Steve Walker asked Monday if the decision on the bridge is a foregone conclusion and MDOT will do what it wants, why the council has to take a vote on supporting its recommendation.

Council Chairwoman Sarah Brayman said, “I don’t feel I have enough information,” even after the item was tabled at a previous council meeting so it could have more information, such as the financial analysis she requested.

Brayman said she is under the impression the MDOT is a willing partner with communities that step forward to talk about solutions.

“I do feel that this is either an unnecessary or a premature vote,” she said.

“I believe this is a big decision,” Brayman added. “I think this bridge, while individually it may not be unique, it connects two historic districts with a structure that was commonly built in the 1930s. It’s longer than most built of its ilk and it’s got a wonderful central span that is somewhat unusual and these bridge are being torn down all over the place.”

Councilor Alison Harris said, “I just want Brunswick to have a seat at the table while these conversations are going on and while they’re contemplating what they want to do.”

Councilor Kathy Wilson expressed support for a new bridge. However, she echoed a concern raised in Topsham over the state’s poor record of maintaining its infrastructure.

“I don’t think we can expect that Maine would do any better taking care of a refurbished bridge,” she said.

Councilor Dan Harris questioned the MDOT’s estimate of the life expectancy of a rehabilitated bridge.

Harris also asked for more feedback from those involved in the issue. That includes the Friends of the Frank J. Woods Bridge group, made up of Brunswick and Topsham residents who want MDOT to take a closer look at bridge rehabilitation.

Town Manager John Eldridge said the council will be asked to take a position. He said he’d rather the council get comfortable with a solution now rather than come back in three months and say it doesn’t like what MDOT is doing.

Walker made the motion to table the resolution in support of the bridge replacement “until such time that we have adequate information based on questions raised here tonight and in our discussions, to make a decision at a future date.”

Councilors Alison Harris, Kathy Wilson, John Perreault and Suzan Wilson opposed the motion to table the resolution.

Cost & compare

• MDOT HAS PROJECTED a new bridge would cost $13 million and last 100 years compared to a rehabilitation estimated to cost $10 million but with a life span of only 30 years.

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