Woolwich voters consider approving a $19,000 engineering study for a bridge on George Wright Road. The question is one of two at a special town meeting set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Eric Calderwood of the Richmond-based Calderwood Engineering told the select board Monday night, there are several options the town might consider. “At the very least the bridge needs to be replaced,” he said.

The small stone span was built in 1934 on a stretch of road that was once served as Route 1. It’s located off the present highway south of the Taste of Maine Restaurant.

Following an inspection in January, the Maine Department of Transportation rated the bridge as “poor” due to erosion of the embankments and deterioration of the structure. Woolwich Road Commissioner Jack Shaw told the Wiscasset Newspaper replacing the bridge could cost $500,000 or more. Shaw said the bridge wasn’t posted yet to heavy loads but likely will be in the future.

MDOT’s report and Shaw’s concerns prompted the select board to contact Calderwood Engineering. The study would help the town determine what to do next. “At the very least you’ll know what needs to happen if the bridge span is removed,” Calderwood told selectmen. He said the town could then ask MDOT, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, or both, to help pay construction costs.

The state built the bridge and later turned it over to the town, although Select Board Chair David King Sr. said he wasn’t sure when or even if the town ever assumed ownership. King said monies for the engineering study could be taken from the town’s undesignated fund balance. “That way the money wouldn’t be raised from taxes.”

Selectman Jason Shaw said the study would help the town make a case for grant monies. The board voted 4-0-1, with Selectman Dale Chadbourne abstaining, to include the bridge engineering article on the special town meeting warrant. Voters will also consider entering into long-term contract with ecomaine of Portland and Riverside Disposal, the company that provides curbside trash and recycling pickup.

The town meeting will be held upstairs in the municipal building hearing room. “If the room here isn’t big enough to accommodate the crowd we’ll adjourn to the Nequasset Meeting House across the road,” King said.

A regular meeting of the select board will follow the special town meeting.