New Construction Will Replace Bridge That Stood for More Than One Century

years of service.

LeTourneau told WCSH-TV News Center Maine that the new bridge is being built using the latest technology. It will have a sidewalk for pedestrians, room for snowmobiles and ATVs, and will support the weight of the heaviest trucks in use, like 18-wheelers.

“It’s essentially set up like a 45degree angle from the [previous bridge],” he said. “That other bridge is 900 ft. long. This one is over 1,800 ft. long. There is about 315 ft. between each pier structure [on the new bridge].”

Replacement Is Joint American-Canadian Effort

Construction crews from the United States and Canada are each working on their halves of the bridge.

“They are very similar to us [and use] very similar work methods,” LeTourneau said in speaking with the Portland TV station. “So, it has been seamless, and they’ve been a pleasure to work with.”

The biggest challenge that both construction companies are currently facing is the weather. Right now, crews are working through the winter putting the formwork to support the concrete deck structure. Roughly 30 Americans are working on the U.S. side, and about 20 Canadians are on the New Brunswick side, LeTourneau noted.

“Currently, there are probably about 60 employees between our crew and our subcontractor in Canada,” he said. Another challenge faced by Reed & Reed are the logistics of getting supplies to northern Maine and across the border.

“We have to supply the materials to our subcontractor in Canada,” he explained.

New Bridge Built to Last for Another 100 Years

Madawaska town manager Gary Picard said that once the bridge is complete, it will boost business and travel between the two countries.

“It’s very vital to the economies,” he told News Center Maine. “Madawaska and Edmundston have grown up around it. I think this would be a different place if we didn’t have it, so it’s important for that to continue.”

Once work on the