Vehicles cross the Ticonic Bridge into Winslow last month as workers build the new bridge that spans the Kennebec River, connecting Waterville and Winslow. Beginning on Jan 6, the bridge is scheduled to be closed to all traffic for six months, with detours for pedestrians and vehicles. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel file
WATERVILLE — The Maine Department of Transportation has established Jan. 6 as the day the Ticonic Bridge will close for six months as part of the $52.8 million bridge replacement project.
During that time, detours will be posted for both vehicles and pedestrians to use to cross the Kennebec River, according to the state DOT. Vehicles will be detoured south to the Carter Memorial Bridge. Pedestrians will be detoured north to the Two Cent Bridge.
The bridge carries U.S. Route 201 and links Waterville and Winslow. Portions of the structure are more than 100 years old and have reached the end of their useful life, officials said.
Following the six-month closure, eastbound vehicle traffic will be allowed onto the bridge, but westbound vehicle traffic will remain detoured from the bridge for between 18 and 24 months, while construction continues.
When the bridge reopens to eastbound vehicle traffic, the state DOT is expected to reopen the bridge to pedestrian traffic, using the new sidewalk on the upstream side of the bridge.
On-site work for the Ticonic Bridge replacement project began in December 2022. The structure is being replaced on the existing alignment.
The new bridge will be a two-span structure, made of corrosion-resistant steel girders and a concrete deck, according to the state DOT. A single concrete pier is to be built in the river to support the new bridge, and is expected to reduce the likelihood of ice jams.
The new bridge will carry five lanes of traffic, as does the current bridge. It is to feature widened shoulders and have sidewalks on both sides.
On-site construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2027.
Cianbro of Pittsfield is the contractor for the project.
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