The Southport swing bridge project's completion is now delayed until weeks into the boating season, according to Maine Department of Transportation. 

In a May 12 email update, MaineDOT Resident Engineer Sam Stilwell told local marinas and marine professionals the swing bridge will be unable to operate for marine traffic until mid-June. The update follows a previous schedule from MaineDOT, which said the bridge would be completed late May, as reported in the Register. 

Stillwell said product supply chain delays on necessary bridge operating machinery are causing the delay. “We are working on getting the bridge going as quickly as possible,” he wrote.

Boothbay Harbor Harbor Master Jeff Lowellsaid the delay is not good for many, including boat yards, tour boats, fishermen and recreational boaters. “That's a big impact. It's huge," he said. "That waterway is very important for everybody ..." 

Lowell said smaller boats can pass under the bridge at the captain's discretion, but even he needs to be careful in his patrol boat. He added, the Coast Guard wouldn't be able to respond inland unless there is a low tide. 

The timing adds to the complication because, according to Lowell, the boating season begins Memorial Day Weekend. 

“This is the season where we all go (out),” Lowell said. “Sunday afternoon there's 100 boats in there and about half of them need an opening.”