Southport selectmen’s April 8 meeting brought bridge updates and other announcements. The 2020 Maine Revenue Sharing payment to the town will likely be reduced; the final number was not yet known; and the state has inspected and approved the condition of Pratt’s Island Bridge. Although town-owned, the bridge, like all traffic-bearing ones in Maine, must meet state regulations and is therefore inspected at least once every two years.

Selectman Gerry Gamage reported that the delay to work on Thompson’s Bridge would likely run at least five weeks. He said Wyman and Simpson “are awaiting 93-foot stringers that are being manufactured in Vermont. Currently the manufacturer is closed for COVID-19 and is likely to remain closed until at least May 1. We’re unlikely to see the stringers before mid-May at the earliest.”

Gamage would not commit to a possible opening date for the bridge, but did say, “Wyman and Simpson are doing everything they can to work around the delayed components and to keep the crew in place.”

The owners of Robinson’s Wharf are seeking approval for a new pier that will extend 86 feet from the wharf and increase space on two finger docks for visitors and fishermen. The application process includes an on-site visit for the selectmen and other interested parties, but with the current statewide rule restricting gatherings, the visit has had to be postponed for a second week. Selectmen reported the state has seen the drawings, but, like the town, is awaiting the site visit before making a decision.

Gamage said it was good to see the new traffic sign as you come on to Southport reminding visitors and residents to continue to practice social distancing. Gamage said the sign has been rented from Wyman and Simpson who had previously been using it to alert drivers to the Thompson’s Bridge work.