The Barters Island Bridge construction is likely to prohibit vehicles over 20 tons for nearly a year. Maine Department of Transportation officials updated Boothbay selectmen May 9 on plans to replace the bridge. Region Engineer Rob Betts reported the current schedule includes advertising in July for a contractor, building a temporary bridge within a year, and completing the project by September 2020.

He also announced the current bridge is in such poor condition, it isn't safe for vehicles over 20 tons. Betts indicated the department would likely impose a 20-ton vehicle weight limit during the temporary bridge’s construction, which may take close to a year.  Heavy vehicles impacted the most by a weight limit would be school buses, fuel delivery trucks and large construction equipment.

The bridge was repaired eight years ago, but its continued deterioration has left MDOT with only one option: replacement. Selectmen asked about possible alternatives to a weight limit. They asked about welding the aging bridge to support more weight.

“We are absolutely concerned about the bridge’s safety. I’ve looked at the pictures and there is nothing left to attach,” Betts said. “The main span is pretty much rusted through, and we’ve lost a section near the swing."

MDOT officials attended the board meeting to seek selectmen’s input on the posting. Betts indicated the project’s chief engineer could post the bridge within a week.

“A lot of contractors are going to be upset, but safety first. I don’t see any other choice,” said Selectman Steve Lewis.

In other action, selectmen said they want an update from the Maine Aqua Ventus project about its interest in Boothbay as a possible site for connecting cables to a Monhegan Island wind farm. Maine Aqua Ventus, a consortium of private and public ventures, approached selectmen in January. Project officials sought permission to extract core samples from the ocean to see if the East Boothbay location was viable.

Selectmen approved a cable route survey in March. Maine Aqua Ventus promised the survey wouldn’t interfere with lobstering, but the survey remains unfinished. Town Manager Dan Bryer reported Maine Aqua Ventus recently signed a contract for extracting the ocean core samples.

The delay bothers Selectman Chuck Cunningham. He requested Bryer schedule a meeting with project officials within the next month. “I’d like somebody from that outfit to be here next month and tell us why it’s taking so long,” he said. “The warm fuzzy feeling I had about the first meeting is wearing off rather quickly.”

Selectmen and residents alike won’t have to wait a month to read Route 27 Redevelopment Project updates. Sargent Construction began work April 30 and regular updates will be posted online beginning May 10 or 11, according to Bryer. Sargent Construction of Stillwater is the project’s contractor. Project Manager Shawn Ribitsky  produced a proposed schedule in two different formats, both in Excel spreadsheets. “One is similar to last year’s report and the other includes the entire project’s scope. We’re seeking feedback on which version is better,” he said. Bryer expects the project manager to submit the final version by May 11.

Bryer also reported the Route 27 Landscaping Project begins May 10. The town signed a two-year agreement with landscaper Farley & Sons of Rockport to plant trees and shrubs. “This is a pretty standard contract because you want a couple years to make sure the trees survive."

The board meets next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 23 in the municipal building.