SKOWHEGAN — As Skowhegan officials look to move forward with a plan to build a second bridge over the Kennebec River to alleviate downtown traffic, some residents have voiced concerns about the two options that have been recommended.

A public hearing was held Sept. 28 to discuss a feasibility study on the project and review six different bridge proposals — and a seventh option to not build a second bridge.

After the September hearing, the town’s second bridge committee recommended whittling options to two, keeping the downstream crossing and a downtown crossing.

Since the September meeting, town officials and committee members have been reviewing results received through public surveys and emails. Members of the public have spoken in opposition to both sites because the downtown option would require relocating Veteran’s Memorial Park and the downstream option would impact views of the town.

A decision was postponed this week to allow the second bridge committee time to review information and update its recommendation, which was made in June. Since then, a public hearing has been held and the feasibility study has been finalized.

Jack Gibson, president of Somerset Woods Trustees, spoke against the downstream option, saying when the organization was formed in 1927, the stretch of road from Coburn Park to the Kennebec Banks Rest Area and boat landing were set aside for the town.

“I’ve had a number of people visit me and say what a beautiful stretch of land we have coming into this town from Route 2, from the east,” Gibson said.

Gibson said that after reviewed the feasibility study, he found it “very ironic” that some bridge alternatives had “historical” impacts listed with their descriptions, although the downstream option did not.

“For the (downstream option), there is no historical impact listed if they put the bridge there,” Gibson said. “That is probably the most-historical part of this town, and it is not recognized by (the Maine Department of Transportation) as having any historical significance.”

John Dumas spoke against both, saying the downstream option would affect views he appreciates two to three times a day when he drives on Route 2.

“I’m a veteran and I know some of the background on Veteran’s Memorial Park,” Dumas said. “The last thing we should do is something that would destroy that park. And just as important, you’re all townspeople. Many of you are second, third generation. I can’t imagine as a town you wanting to destroy your downtown with a bridge.”

Despite recommendations by some members of the community, the project came at the recommendation of the board that was sitting a few years ago, which contacted the Maine DOT about beginning the study.

Town Manager Christine Almand said Skowhegan has already met its financial obligations for the current phase of the project, under an agreement between the town and state.

“It would be additional funds from the state and potentially federal government” to pursue the study further, Almand said.

“This is not something the state came to the town in regards to,” she said. “The board at the time took a vote. Then we engaged with the state in this conversation and we asked them to pursue it. That is why we have an agreement.”

A representative from the state DOT told the board the process is driven predominantly by data based on federal and state regulations, which is why there is a process that must be followed. The data collected through the studies evaluated the benefits and impacts of the project, which is why local officials opted to support the downstream and downtown options.

The next step is to request the Maine DOT continue with studies, subject to funding. Throughout this process, selectmen have been told there will still be opportunities for continued municipal and public input.

The state will ultimately decide whether to move forward with the second bridge and its funding, which would be done with full consideration of the town’s preference, according to officials.

The downstream bridge option would be built near the Great Eddy and provide roadway connections between U.S. Route 201 and U.S. Route 2. It is likely the least expensive plan — coming in at about $25.5 million — and would have relatively low impact on abutters.

The downtown option is projected to cost $55.3 million and would allow for improved roadway connections in the area.

The second bridge project is a joint effort between the state and town, and would be funded through local, state and federal money. Recent efforts to build a second bridge began in 2019, after previous attempts failed because of disputes over a bypass. As part of the agreement with state officials, the town is not considering a traffic bypass.

Officials have said a second bridge is needed to alleviate traffic congestion across the Margaret Chase Smith Bridge and improve safety and mobility downtown.

The bridge now handles about 25,000 vehicles a day, which includes nearly 1,000 tractor-trailers that slow traffic. By comparison, the Casco Bay Bridge in Portland handles about 30,000 vehicles a day.

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