2025 East Best Projects
Award of Merit, Highway/Bridge: Blue Hill Falls Bridge Replacement
Blue Hill Falls Bridge Replacement
Blue Hill, Maine
Award of Merit
Submitted by Cianbro Corp.
Owner: Maine Dept. of Transportation
Lead Design Firm: HNTB Corp.
General Contractor: Cianbro Corp.
Precast Concrete Provider: J.P. Carrara & Sons
Community engagement played a key role in shaping the $9.6-million strategy to replace the picturesque, yet deteriorating concrete tied-arch bridge spanning the reversing falls across Salt Pond that lead to the Atlantic Ocean.
The new structure’s clear-span design preserves the crossing’s scenic vistas while also incorporating its original stone-faced abutments and approach walls.
Construction proved challenging as fast and reversing currents made traditional water-based construction methods impractical. Additionally, tides allowed only a half-hour window each day to complete waterborne tasks.
Use of hanging staging, instead of boats, ensured work could proceed efficiently. With the rural site accessible only by narrow, winding roads, delivery of precast girder components necessitated extensive planning with a detailed route and required arrangements with law enforcement to escort the oversized loads.
Communication with area communities was essential ahead of an 11-day road closure because the alternate route extended travel distances by approximately 20 miles.
