Please refer to TRAFFIC UPDATES for news on closures in May.

PROJECT UPDATE

May 2012

When the construction of the Veterans Memorial Bridge project was awarded to the Reed & Reed team in February 2010, the new bridge was projected to open in the summer of 2012.We are pleased to report that the mild winter allowed construction to proceed without any delays so that all users of the bridge can expect to drive, walk or bike on the new bridge this July.

 
If you have been in the vicinity of the construction, you’ll see that the new structure is completely up. The retaining wall on the South Portland end and the barrier between the Pan Am Railroad Bridge and the new Veterans Memorial Bridge is newly completed. The construction team is now finishing the installation of curb so that guard rails can go up.

 
In the next two months, you can expect to see certain design elements start to take shape. These details were discussed during stakeholder meetings which were held before construction began in June 2010. Stakeholders and the public provided input on specific design features. The budget of this design-build project was fixed before the contract was awarded to the Reed & Reed team and has remained unchanged throughout the process. Design features unique to this bridge will add to the richness of the user experience, allowing the new Veterans Memorial Bridge to be a civic structure of significance from I-295 and by air.

A few highlights:

• A 12-foot wide dedicated path for walkers and bikers is separated from vehicular lanes by a curb and metal barrier to ensure safety for all users.
• Gateway plazas at both ends of the bridge will be landscaped. The Portland end will feature a Veterans’ Memorial Plaza recognizing the five branches of the military. The South Portland end will feature bronze stars.
• There are three on-bridge overlooks along the span of the bridge with benches for users to stop and enjoy the view over the Fore River.  In June, we will see the installation of sculptural metal pole elements symbolic of aquatic grasses and reeds found in the nearby natural environment. These will accentuate the design at each overlook, and serve as form-givers with the added benefit of creating a traffic calming effect.

If you are interested in the details of the design-build process, please refer to the Public Involvement section of the project web site.

Please remember that the Route 1 on-ramp in South Portland that feeds into the existing Veterans Memorial Bridge will be closed around the clock through Friday, May 4. During off-peak hours (7 p.m. to 6 a.m.), there will also be some intermittent closures of the I-295 Northbound Exit 4 off-ramp to the existing Veterans Memorial Bridge. Detour signs will be posted during this period and we regret any inconvenience caused. Please drive safely and courteously through the work zone.

This web site will be a source for regular, updated information about the bridge progress and construction. E-mail updates will also be sent to anyone who signs up for this information. Please use the Submit Your Comments page if you would like to receive future e-mail alerts.