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Thursday, May 18, 2006
Bridges in York were rated safe, state says
Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc. | ||||||
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Also on this page: FLOOD WATCH | |||||
Three bridges in southern York County damaged or destroyed in this week's flooding were found to be structurally sound during state inspections last year, said John Buxton, assistant bridge maintenance engineer at the Maine Department of Transportation. He did not have a cost to fix or replace the bridges, although he said it will likely be in the millions of dollars. The bridges are the Passaconway Bridge on Shore Road in the Cape Neddick section of York, Sherburne Bridge on the Ogunquit and Wells line on the Captain Thomas Road and the Skinner Bridge on Skinner Mill Road in Wells. The fact that three sturdy bridges were washed out, underlines the strength and severity of the flooding after more than a foot of rain fell on parts of New England, Buxton said. On Wednesday, engineers continued to survey the damage and reinspect bridges in flooded areas. The rest of the roughly 80 bridges affected by high waters in southern York County were given a clean bill of health. The three damaged bridges could be out of commission for months. The Transportation Department spends about $40 million a year on bridge replacements and repairs. The state inspects about 3,700 bridges every other year. About 650 bridges are also inspected by divers every five years. Local communities are responsible for bridges under 20 feet long. The Passaconway Bridge, which collapsed after flood waters eroded a pier column, was erected 81 years ago. The concrete T-beam structure was built to last about 100 years. "We could have gotten another 20 to 25 years ," said Buxton. Crossed by about 4,000 vehicles during peak summer days, the bridge will need to be razed and replaced. On Wednesday engineers were determining whether a temporary bridge could be used during the reconstruction, which could take at least six months. State officials estimated the cost at $3.1 million. It is not clear whether marine traffic will be prevented from passing down river. Engineers were still trying to determine whether the 64-year-old Skinner Bridge in Wells could be repaired. The bridge approach was washed away by the flood waters. About 400 cars pass over the bridge each day. Buxton said it was too early to estimate the cost of repairs or replacement. The bridge's superstructure was constructed of steel string beams and timber decking. The repair bill for Sherburne Bridge on the Ogunquit River is estimated at about $400,000. The 38-year-old bridge was constructed of two 11-foot wide culverts that were washed away after becoming clogged with debris, said Buxton. It was inspected two weeks ago and engineers determined it would need to be replaced in six to eight years. The bridge carries about 700 vehicles a day. Reconstruction would take about two weeks. Those affected by the bridge damage said they were anxious to find out just how long the structures would be closed. Michael Mandravelis of York who moors his 22-foot motor boat near the collapsed Passaconway Bridge, said his boating season has come to a screeching halt. The state has banned all marine traffic from passing through the still standing sections of the bridge. That means Mandravelis cannot check on his five lobster traps or go out on other excursions. Melissa Young, whose family owns the Cape Neddick Lobster Pound right next to the Passaconway Bridge, said the business draws a lot of drive-by traffic. With the bridge down, she said, the business may lose some of those customers. Staff Writer Beth Quimby can be contacted at 791-6363 or at:
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Heavy rains wreaked havoc in southern Maine, damaging property and forcing people from their homes. Get coverage and share your photos and stories