As a resident on Summer Street in Topsham, I have a very different point of view about the Maine DOT proposal to replace the Frank J.Wood Bridge, the “green bridge.”

Many off us see it very differently than the DOT, and as presented in this newspaper. The Frank J. Wood Bridge is an historic steel truss structure built 85 years ago. Maine DOT proposes to replace it with a generic concrete bridge that will curve upstream as it crosses the river.

The media has reported on the DOT proposal as if it were a final decision. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Fifty years ago the U.S. Congress created federal law to protect communities from the destruction of valuable historic and environmental landmarks, unless there is no feasible and prudent alternative. Further, the finding required by the law is to be made not by the state, but by the Federal Highway Administration, which would provide 80 percent of the money for construction. To offer further protection, any such finding by the federal agencies is reviewable in federal court. This is democracy in action.

For those who are interested, the Facebook page of the Friends of the Frank J. Wood Bridge, presents the factors to be considered. Nearly 1,200 local resident, who oppose the destruction and instead support renovation of this classic bridge are supporters on that Facebook page.

Since the late ‘90s the Maine DOT has demolished more than 50 steel truss bridges. The majority were historic structures. Today, only three bridges of this type are left in Maine. The Maine DOT made a conscious decision to let the bridge rust and die. DOT last painted it more than 30 years ago. No wonder it looks it as bad as it does. Yet, many other states have maintained their scenic steel bridges or have done necessary rehabilitation, creating a safe structure and a classic appearance.

Because all of us use the “green bridge” so frequently, many fail to realize its unique character and environs. But a large number of residents are standing up for the spectacular environmental and historic resources of which the bridge is the centerpiece. Consider: The lower falls would be covered over by the proposed bridge. Yet, these falls almost 400 years ago were the entire historic reason Brunswick and Topsham were located where they are today. The spectacular Pejepscot Mill and Fort Andros, both historic mills in their own right, are the anchors at either end of the bridge. Maine Street in Brunswick and extending into Topsham, both historic streets, are the welcoming approaches to the crossing. On the Brunswick side, just below the bridge is critical fish habitat for Atlantic salmon and for shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon, all listed as endangered or threatened. These natural treasures would be severely, perhaps fatally impacted by new bridge construction.

Can we be so shortsighted as we were 50 years ago, when major historic landmarks in Brunswick were destroyed? Can we fail to see what visitors see? Hundreds of thousands of visitors and tens of millions of dollars have come to Brunswick over the years, precisely because it has managed to retain some of its historic character. And, the historic centerpiece of the area is the Frank J. Wood Bridge and the streets and structures adjacent.

Some have expressed concern that if our classic bridge were to be rehabilitated, there would be no way to cross the river during rehabilitation. This is incorrect! Even the Maine DOT has now recognized it would be necessary to provide a temporary bridge for crossing during rehabilitation, and has included the cost in its calculations. This is common in bridge renovation, as when renovating the Cribstone Bridge between Orr’s and Bailey Island.

I believe the DOT process is deeply flawed, reminiscent of the 1950s, a decision being made simply on questionable dollar and cents grounds. The real cost, which would dwarf the mere cost of the bridge, is the impact, as well as the economic effect on our environmental and historic heritage. Each of us should stand up for bridge safety and for our environmental and historic heritage.

Chick Carroll is a Topsham resident and member of Friends of the Frank J. Wood Bridge.