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Durham Bridge over Androscoggin River

Designing a bridge replacement for a critical link between two communities on a very challenging site

  • 340

    Feet Long

  • Durham-Lisbon, Maine

    Durham-Lisbon, Maine

Our bridge team worked with multiple stakeholders to find the most cost-effective solution for this deteriorating bridge

Bridges support the weight of a community. We don’t take that lightly, particularly when these bridges are deteriorating and the only link between communities. This was the case for the bridge connecting Durham and Lisbon, Maine over the Androscoggin River.

When we were first engaged, the immediate need was to complete a full inspection and load rating to determine the best course of action—rehabilitation or replacement. Our team completed the inspection in four days over a weekend we knew traffic volumes would be lower. We then coordinated with the Maine Department of Transportation, utility companies, the Miller Hydro Dam, and the community to ensure buy-in for the most cost-effective solution—a replacement structure located just upstream from the existing bridge. Limited access and endangered species restrictions required special design elements such as grouted rock anchors, in-stream noise restrictions, highway rock cut slope stabilization, and repair of a highway-side slope failure.

A grand opening ribbon cutting included over 150 community members, government officials, and engineering and construction staff. The first person to drive across the original bridge in 1937—a local World War II veteran—had the honor of driving across the new, completed Durham Bridge.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • MaineDOT
  • Fairpoint Telecommunications
Partners
  • GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
  • Northstar Hydro

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