Augusta - The Federal Highway Administration and the Maine Department of Transportation have identified a replacement option as the ?preferred alternative? regarding the Frank J. Wood Bridge project which carries Route 201 over the Androscoggin River between Brunswick and Topsham. The preferred alternative is a new replacement bridge upstream and adjacent to the existing bridge.
The identification of a preferred alternative is a major formal step in the project?s ongoing environmental analysis as additional detailed study can now focus on impacts of the preferred option. In the coming months, the entirety of the environmental analysis for the project will be described in an Environmental Assessment in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. An additional public meeting will be held prior to the conclusion of the environmental decision process.
This identified alternative is the result of many months of analysis, public comment and review of a variety of rehabilitation and replacement options. In determining the preferred alternative, the agencies considered the environmental, cultural, social, economic impacts and transportation needs (i.e., vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian), in addition to considering the engineering, cost, constructability, traffic, utilities, maintenance, and public input. The preferred alternative best meets the purpose and need while balancing these considerations. The substantial determining factors for the identification of a replacement option over rehabilitation are the rehabilitation service life costs (more than double) in comparison to the replacement options, and the improved safety and accommodation of bicycle travel.
Additional design activities will also be focused on the preferred alternative. MaineDOT looks forward to working with both communities to provide a bridge connection that not only meets the transportation needs, but is also befitting of this setting and environment.
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