Update: A Woolwich town email Dec. 14 stated: “Drilling work has been delayed until Dec. 19 ... Time of road closure will remain the same: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

Original post:

Plans are in the works to replace a small bridge linking Wiscasset and Woolwich on Old Stage Road, possibly in 2024. Maine Department of Transportation will temporarily close the bridge this week to do test borings, said Devan Eaton, MDOT senior project manager. The work will take four to seven work days. No work is planned on the weekends. The road will be closed to thru traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the work. Signage alerting motorists has been posted in both towns.

The two-lane bridge spans the upper end of Montsweag Brook on the town line. According to Wiscasset Newspaper files, in 2017 MDOT posted the bridge at a 25-ton limit after an inspection revealed significant rust and corrosion damage on its steel support beams. The bridge’s pressure-treated wood decking and railings are also showing signs of wear. The state is paying to replace the bridge, which Wiscasset built and paid for in 1990 for $100,000. Woolwich contractor Jack Shaw and Sons was hired to build that one.

In an email to Wiscasset Newspaper, Eaton said the cost of the new bridge has a very early, preliminary estimate of about $675,000 including engineering. “This will be updated as more work is done.” He said the project is currently scheduled for bid in July 2023.

Work will start with removal of the old bridge. “The plan is to reuse the existing abutments, so the span would remain the same,” said Eaton. “New steel beams with a concrete deck and steel bridge rail is likely what will be put back. Since we’re still early in the project we don’t have any details or renderings at this point. The borings we’ll be taking ... will be used to verify, and confirm reuse of the existing abutments,” he explained. He said the start of construction depends on contractor availability. “Our best estimate at this point is that construction would be during the 2024 season.”

Eaton said a virtual public meeting will be held to discuss the project in early 2023. A second session will be held once the preliminary design is completed. The meetings will provide more information on bridge widths, material types, schedules, etc.