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Select Board presses DOT after notice of 25‑ton weight limit on Edward Hill Bridge on Route 109
Summary
Town Manager told the Select Board that DOT plans to post a 25‑ton weight limit on the Edward Hill Bridge on Route 109, proposing a 7‑mile detour; the board said the limit would hinder emergency vehicles and scheduled a meeting with DOT to seek alternatives or repairs.
The town manager told the Select Board on Aug. 20 that the Maine Department of Transportation notified the town it intends to post a 25‑ton weight limit on the Edward Hill Bridge on Route 109 and proposed a seven‑mile detour.
"They'll be posting a 25 ton weight limit on the Edward Hill Bridge on Route 109," the town manager said, noting the proposed detour would significantly lengthen emergency response routes. He said DOT had cited deterioration of the bridge and indicated no immediate replacement plan in the notice the town received.
Board members reacted with concern about the implications for public safety and daily traffic. One board member asked how DOT inspects bridges and whether the town can rely on enforcement: "Do they expect our police department to enforce that? Because no one's gonna adhere to it," a member said. Select Board members directed staff to press DOT for alternatives and to seek a meeting; town staff said they will hold discussions with DOT as soon as possible.
Next steps: Town staff will meet with DOT representatives to present emergency-service needs, to request either bridge repairs or a different mitigation plan and to explore sources of state or federal funding for repairs if needed. The board flagged this as an urgent matter for follow-up.
Provenance: Bridge notice and discussion appear at SEG 1624–1643 in the meeting transcript.
