The Veterans Memorial Bridge was built in 1954 to connect Portland’s West End to South Portland over the Fore River. In the last 50 years, traffic has grown to the point where the bridge now carries over 22,000 vehicles a day. It is quickly deteriorating and while it is still safe for use, MaineDOT has made it a priority to replace the Veterans Memorial Bridge in an affordable way.
The new bridge will be built in the vicinity of the existing bridge so as to keep disruption to traffic to a minimum. The design includes a bicycle/pedestrian pathway as well as green spaces. In addition, the idea of the bridge as a way to honor our veterans will predominate with the placement of five memorial gathering areas: one for each branch of the military.
Construction Time Frame
Construction began in June, 2010 with completion of the new bridge slated for the summer of 2012 and demolition of the old bridge to be completed by December, 2012. During this time, the existing Veterans Memorial Bridge will remain open to traffic so as to reduce traffic disruptions.
Public Information
The public involvement aspect of this important bridge project began early in 2009 with a series of public information meetings, hosted by Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS). Neighbors and stakeholders were involved in outlining a number of the bridge elements important to pedestrians, bikers, and residents of both Portland and South Portland.
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.
Principles and Goals
The new bridge is designed to last 100 years, so it is all the more important that all modes of transportation are considered. In addition, we will strive to honor Maine’s veterans as the bridge will be a memorial to their service. Finally, the public shall be involved and informed about this important transportation infrastructure project.
Applying a cost-effective Design-Build approach, the new bridge will incorporate aesthetic and memorial elements, as well as function for all commuters. The primary goal is to provide a gateway between Portland and South Portland for motorized and non-motorized forms of transport.
The fundamental goals to tailoring the design to community sensitivities include:
- Public spaces that elevate people’s everyday experience and their sense of community while creating a variety of experiences.
- Public spaces that make the fullest use of the opportunities presented by the location and that attract people to use the space.
- A project where the arrival and movement through are an integral and innovative part of the design.
- A design that is unique to the site, has an understanding of scale and connects with the community beyond the immediate site.
- A design that embraces an understanding of the environment and reflect the latest thinking in natural resource conservation and sustainable construction.