Barters Island Bridge reopens to both vehicle and marine travel

Wed, 08/10/2022 - 7:45pm

A mechanical problem resulted in Barters Island Bridge being closed to marine traffic for two weeks. Local officials were concerned about public safety after the drawbridge had trouble closing. The mechanical failure resulted in delays lasting from 90 minutes to two hours. This created a public safety concern because fire, ambulance and police had no other route to the island.

Maine Department of Transportation spokesman Paul Merrill reported Aug. 9, the bridge regained full functionality. “Our head bridge maintenance engineer says the live load shoes and parameters of the motor were adjusted. Things are working well with the bridge movement to accommodate both vehicle and marine traffic,” he said.