Traffic Alert: Major Central Maine Bridge Will Be Completely Closed For 7 Months

As a person who has no experience in the building trades, I am often surprised by how long it takes to complete a major construction project.

Over the last six months, we have been watching the construction company build a new building in the parking lot of the plaza where the stations are located.  It seems like the building is being constructed at a rapid pace, but in reality, they have been working on it since early spring.

Recently, I was kind of surprised by how long the Ticonic Bridge replacement project has been in the works.

Believe it or not, the first phase of the replacement project got underway in March of 2023.

The Ticonic Bridge, which connects Waterville and Winslow, started its life as a foot bridge in 1909.  Over the next few years, a trolly line and motorized vehicle lanes were added to the bridge.

At 115 years old, the bridge has reached the end of its usable lifespace.

The replacement cost, which was expected to take just over two years, has been priced at just under $53 million!

The Major Central Maine Bridge Will Be Closed For Seven Months

Over the course of the last 18 months, there have been several instances when the bridge was closed.  At times, it was closed to traffic in one direction.  During other phases, the bridge was completely closed during the overnight hours.

Now, as we enter the final phase of construction, we are getting word that the span will be completely closed for about six months.

According to a posting on the Town of Winslow Facebook page, the bridge will be closed from December 16th, 2024 through June 20th, 2025.

During this time, traffic will be diverted to the Carter Memorial Bridge.