MATTAWAMKEAG - Today, the Maine Department of Transportation is temporarily closing the temporary bridge that carries Route 2 over the Mattawamkeag River. The purpose of the closure is to allow crews to relieve the pressure created by ice that has collected on the upstream side of the structure. This temporary bridge is serving traffic while the department and it's contracting partners work to replace the permanent Mattawamkeag Bridge. Ice chunks have been collecting on the upstream side of the temporary bridge because they are being blocked by both the temporary bridge and the cofferdams being used to construct the new permanent bridge. During the temporary closure, crews will break up the ice to allow it to move downstream more easily.
This closure is expected to begin at noon and last several hours. It will create a long detour. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area during the closure period. Additional closures may be required depending on the amount of ice coming down the river. As always, MaineDOT thanks the members of the traveling public for their patience and understanding.