Kennebunk bridge repairs to be completed by weekend

KENNEBUNK – A bridge that provides an important link between the Maine Turnpike and the towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport is expected to be completed before the weekend.

The only remaining work is paving, which was to begin Wednesday or today, said Carol Morris of the Maine Department of Transportation.

State transportation officials put an incentive into their contract for Cianbro Corp. to complete the work by Nov. 22. The $1.4 million project has taken little more than a month to complete since construction began in earnest.

“Remarkably fast for an entire bridge replacement,” said Mike Claus, Kennebunk’s public works director.

The old Summer Street bridge on Route 35 had to be torn down last summer after it was damaged by railroad work below it.

A temporary bridge was built, but that structure was taken out when work began last month on the permanent replacement.

Cianbro crews were allowed to work as long as 16 hours a day Monday through Friday and 14 hours on the weekends. Noise was monitored to minimize the impact on neighbors.

“The residents have been great to work with,” Morris said. “We’re very, very appreciative.”

After the bridge reopens, railings will still have to be put in place after Thanksgiving, Morris said.

When it’s completed, an estimated 8,000 vehicles a day are expected to cross the bridge.