Gardiner, ME The final phase of a comprehensive transportation improvement project in historic downtown is nearing completion with the recent opening of the Bridge Street Bridge. Global design firm Stantec led project design and provided construction support for the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) project involving the replacement of two century-old bridges, along with the addition of a multi-use trail with bridge, and updates to two signalized intersections.
The Bridge Street Bridge, which was originally built in 1917 to bring Rte. 201 over the Cobbosseecontee Stream, has opened to traffic after a complex lateral slide installation of a new 700-ton single span structure. Completed during a 30-day closure using Accelerated Bridge Construction methods, this was only the second such highway bridge replacement completed in the state.
The completion of the Bridge St. Bridge follows the 2019 replacement of the Maine Ave. Bridge through an accelerated 15-day bridge closure. The Maine Ave. Bridge was built in 1933 to carry Rte. 24 over the Cobbosseecontee Stream. These bridge updates, coupled with complementary roadway and trail improvements, bring a substantial set of multi-modal mobility improvements to downtown.
“Planning and design of a bridge replacement in a bustling and distinctive downtown like Gardiner requires an extensive level of collaboration and preparation to ensure that modern mobility upgrades still complement a community’s character and needs. For example, our design for the Bridge Street replacement took particular care to accommodate a unique rail car diner connected to the side of the existing bridge,” said Tim Merritt, principal with Stantec. “By utilizing our experience in Accelerated Bridge Construction, we’re proud to have completed this project with minimal disruption to the community, the nearby historic properties, and the endangered fish species that call the Cobbosseecontee Stream home.”
As part of its project role for MaineDOT, Stantec designed the two bridge replacements as well as a recreational trail bridge that connects to the Kennebec River Rail Trail. Trail enhancements include landscaping; use of salvaged granite; ornamental lighting; interpretive panels celebrating the stream’s historic dams, fish species, and birds of prey; and safety features. Additional project considerations included utility relocations, endangered fish species protection, and remediation of contaminated soils.
Full project completion is slated for Spring 2021 once trail and intersection enhancements are complete. Reed & Reed, Inc. is serving as project general contractor with McGee Construction serving as subcontractor. Additional key design subconsultants are Haley & Aldrich for geotechnical and TMSI for signalized intersections and utility coordination.
Stantec’s Transportation practice creates the connections that get people and goods moving safely and efficiently—whether by car, bus, train, plane, or their own two feet. Ranked among the top International Design Firms in Transportation by Engineering News-Record, Stantec provides planning, engineering, and infrastructure management services that fit client needs and improve the overall transportation experience. To learn more, visit: stantec.com/transportation.