Maine DOT outlines $12.7 million Main Street bridge replacement and Cabat/Bow realignment in Brunswick

Maine Department of Transportation project manager Ernie Martin presented the agency’s plan to replace the Main Street bridge deck in Brunswick and realign nearby streets so the ramp to Route One is terminated and controlled by a signalized intersection.

Consultants from TY Lin described the site and the condition of the bridge. "The condition of the deck is poor," one engineer said, adding that the abutments are largely in good condition and the project will replace the deck and steel girders so the work can be completed quickly and with less impact on Route One below.

The plan would realign Cabat and Bow through the existing parking area so that the top of the ramp intersects Main Street at the existing signal. Project staff said that by creating a four‑way, signalized intersection they can reduce conflicting access points to Route One, improve turning movements for trucks, and add pedestrian refuge islands and crosswalks.

Traffic engineer Tom Eric said the work will proceed in stages to limit traffic disruption. A short detour phase, lasting roughly two to three weeks, would reroute northbound traffic to the bypass while maintaining two southbound lanes. A longer phase lasting several months would keep two lanes in each direction on the bridge while precast deck and girder units are installed. "There’s a lot of traffic on Main Street — roughly 20,000 cars a day — so we have to think about how to accommodate that and keep everyone safe," he said.

Ernie Martin said the combined bridge and highway project will be advertised for construction later in the schedule and gave an estimated total program cost of $12.7 million, covering preliminary engineering, right‑of‑way and construction engineering in addition to construction.

Public commenters focused on pedestrian and bicycle connections and parking. Members of the Riverwalk Committee asked how the river trail will connect to Main Street; staff said the Riverwalk alignment would follow the new Cabat alignment and connect to the reconstructed public parking quadrant and the new signalized crossing. Josh Cass of the Riverwalk Committee asked whether the Riverwalk would direct crossings to the east side of Main Street; staff replied the design provides options and that bike lanes on the bridge would be carried up to Cabat.

Bicycle advocates pushed for continuous, protected bike lanes through the project area and questioned whether another signal is the best approach. Staff said an earlier feasibility study evaluated roundabouts, single‑point urban interchanges and other options and that the community‑endorsed concept and modern signal technology best balanced mobility, property impacts, pedestrian/bicycle safety and cost.

On parking, staff explained the study area contains two lots: a publicly owned quadrant that will be rebuilt as part of the project and a larger privately owned lot that will require separate right‑of‑way discussions and potential compensation to the owner. Town council members urged that any rebuilt public parking conform to town lot standards (islands and landscaping), and staff said they will coordinate with the town.

Several commenters identified a narrow sidewalk and retaining wall near the Frank J. Wood site; project staff said they will review limits of adjacent projects and the right‑of‑way to determine whether the sidewalk can be widened or rebuilt in place.

Next steps: staff will accept public comments via an online presentation and comment cards for two weeks, follow up with the town on the Riverwalk gap and parking questions, finalize a more detailed construction schedule, and move toward advertising the project for bids. Project staff said the first construction activity will be the Cabat realignment and ramp work, followed by bridge replacement and final site restorations.

The meeting concluded with staff offering hard‑copy plans for attendees to review and an invitation to submit written comments during the comment period.