These Bridges in Southern Maine Desperately Need to be Repaired [LIST]
If you drive to work here in Maine, chances are that you cross a bridge on the way. You might not even notice it, but we rely on 2,744 bridges here in Maine every day. Many of them were built long ago, so it's important to ask - how many of them are still safe?
TRIP, the national nonprofit that analyzes the condition of bridges around the country, said last year that 15 percent of Maine bridges are structurally deficient.
According to the Portland Press Herald, these are the bridges in the greater Portland area that are in the worst shape, and need repairs ASAP:
• Route 1 bridge over the Cousins River in Freeport. Built in 1930, the bridge carries 8,954 vehicles per day. The substructure of the bridge is in poor condition.
• Routes 11-114 over the Muddy River in Naples. Built in 1930, it carries 1,593 vehicles per day and recreational boat traffic passes beneath. The deck, substructure and substructure are in poor condition. This bridge is funded for replacement in 2016.
• Routes 9 and 22 over the Stroudwater River in Portland. Built in 1989, it carries 23,826 vehicles per day. The substructure of the bridge is in poor condition.
• Routes 202 and 4 over the Little River in Gorham. Built in 1949, it carries 5,452 vehicles per day. The deck and superstructure are in poor condition.
• Route 1 over Route 115/Main Street in Yarmouth. Built in 1948, it carries 5,641 vehicles per day. The deck of the bridge is in poor condition.