It looked like a good design. Instead of another flat bridge like Thompsons Bridge, the proposed bridge to span Decker Cove on Southport Island would have a gradual crown in the center and be about the same length but wider. There would be a paved surface rather than grated with a two-foot shoulder on each side. Due to the improvements by the design company, Stantec of  Scarborough, it was deemed safer. Maine Department of Transportation said its plans to schedule the construction and detour traffic would make it less difficult to erect.

Both had overlooked some obvious problems. 

MDOT representatives gave their public presentation Tuesday, Dec. 11 at Southport Town Hall to over 30 residents who braved a dusting of new fallen snow in bitter temperatures to voice their concerns and suggestions.

Daniel Taylor of Stantec said the paint on the 1933 bridge has mostly failed and the back wall timbers have rotted. Taylor explained there would be stainless steel reinforcement throughout the new bridge and improved footing in the bedrock below. A site plan was displayed. The deck would be supported by one central pier.  However, a sidewalk for pedestrians to cross was not in the plan. 

Resident Leigh Sherrill pointed out, since the preliminary meeting with MDOT, Robinson's Wharf has secured staff housing across Thompsons Bridge so many of its employees now cross the bridge throughout the day, year-round. Non-housed employees at Robinson's are provided parking in a lot across the bridge that adds to this foot traffic on the bridge. Other area residents also like to walk across the bridge to eat at the restaurant. 

Leanne Timberlake of MDOT said the department had not been made aware of the need for a sidewalk. Timberlake said a sidewalk would require adding five feet and an additional expense to the town but she would relay this information to her superiors.

Resident Alice Thompson said, “Pedestrians always assumed the east side of Thompsons Bridge where there is about two feet of concrete embedded in the grated surface was a designated pedestrian walkway.”

Timberlake informed the audience, construction was set to start shortly after Labor Day 2019.  Timberlake said traffic would be detoured around the island on Route 27 with only local traffic allowed to use Cross or Plummer roads.

Resident Helen Meserve suggested holding off construction until after Columbus Day when there would be less traffic with the summer residents gone.

Most of those present believed drivers would ignore signs instructing only residents on Cross or Plummer roads to use those roads. People generally agreed speed on the island was a problem.

Russell Jones of Cross Road wondered who would patrol traffic from cutting across the island on his road instead of staying on Route 27 and going around. 

Southport Selectman Mary Lou Koskela said, “Plummer Road is very dangerous with barely room for two cars to pass as it is.”  Southport resident Tammy Blackman suggested using battery-operated stop and go lights in dangerous sections of Plummer Road to regulate traffic for safety. 

Timberlake said MDOT was there to hear local concerns and issues and based on this input she felt the town and MDOT can work together to figure things out.

Timberlake can be reached at (207) 624-3422.