Boothbay Harbor has opened its footbridge full-time. Although the renovation project is not 100% complete, the town announced the opening June 30.  

"The footbridge has always been iconic; it's been a focal point to our town,” said Selectboard Chair Michael Tomko. "This is a long-awaited project coming to its completion and I couldn’t be happier with the results that we are experiencing.”  

The footbridge had been opened for day use the previous day but was made fully open after night safety concerns were addressed, according to Town Manager Julia Latter.  

Tomko said the bridge has been made wider, safer and stronger than the version built in the late 1970s, which was in need of repair. He said the new bridge is rated to hold 110 pounds-per-square-foot, an improvement from the previous 40.  

"You walk across it, and you can just feel the actual difference," he said.  

The footbridge had seen several delays due to a series of unforeseen complications around utilities, easements and weather, according to Latter.  

However, Tomko said the setbacks have not caused lasting damage and Latter and the builder have “worked as hard and as diligently as they could to get it done as quickly as possible.” 

According to Tomko and other town officials, feedback on the bridge has been positive. Latter said she has even seen hotel reviews online mention the bridge. Tomko said nearby business owners are relieved and grateful it is open.  

"I've gotten both written and verbal feedback from business owners and residents,” Tomko said. They like the width, they appreciate the time and attention that it's taken, and there's still more that's to come …" 

Several items need to be done before the project is complete, according to Latter. These include fixing lighting issues, construction and installation of an A-frame structure, and the installation of floats, a runway and benches.

Tomko mentioned several other ideas for potential improvements such as a kayak launch, natural landscaping and a wash station; those are not in current plans.  

No date has been set for the bridge’s completion, but officials said the town is looking into an opening celebration later this summer.