It is no mystery Barters Island Bridge has been closed for nearly two months. What is a mystery is why? In early August, Maine Department of Transportation closed the bridge due to a “fog horn-like” noise. MaineDOT unsuccessfully searched on its own for a reason. The bridge’s oil was also tested for signs of excessive wear during the operation, but the noise persisted, according to an email Benjamin Foster, a MaineDOT maintenance engineer, sent to Dick Perkins, a Barters Island resident, who asked about the closure.

Perkins asked when the bridge would re-open and Foster responded it would be closed for the remainder of the season. “There are too many unknowns to have an exact time table. More investigation is required to determine the actual problem,” wrote Foster.

MaineDOT hired Hanesty and Hanover of Portland to assess the problem. The bridge was inspected several times by H&H without diagnosing the problem. “They recommended the bridge not be operated until the reason for the lack of efficiency and noise is determined and more inspection and testing is completed,” wrote Foster.

Perkins asked for details of a corrective action plan. Foster said H&H recommended the bridge be lifted, the center pivot bearing be disassembled and bearing discs be thoroughly inspected. “This is going to be a challenging operation given the limited space under the bridge,” he wrote. "The center pivot discs may need replacing. If the center pivot has no major defects, the gear box will be rehabilitated or replaced.”

If components need replacing, Foster estimated the lead time would be “several weeks.”

The project cost is unknown at this time, according to Foster. He added that MaineDOT is fiscally responsible for the repairs.

On Oct. 7, the Boothbay Register MaineDOT three questions regarding the bridge's circumstance: After six weeks, why hasn't the bridge's problem been isolated? When is MaineDOT going to hold a public meeting with residents explaining the problem? Why after five years is this brand-new bridge having problems?

On Oct. 8, Brittany Roberts, a marketing specialist with the department's Office of Communications and Creative Services, responded, "We are currently looking into this and will have a response for you no later than tomorrow (Oct. 9). As of press time on Oct. 13, MaineDOT had not responded.