Island Falls opens new bridge

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    ISLAND FALLS — This morning local officials are set to formally open a new bridge that spans the Mattawamkeag River in Island Falls. Brady Hatch, chairman of the town’s selectmen, will participate in the 9:30 a.m. ribbon cutting. He said re-opening the bridge means “a new look and new infrastructure for the town” in addition to relief from the lengthy detour when it was shut down while MDOT workers completed the replacement.
    While the old bridge was out of service, residents and commuters had to take a detour of almost seven miles from Sherman St. to the Belvedere Rd. and then take Rte. 159. By putting the bridge back into service, “this will especially benefit residents on the south side of the river because they won’t have to take that horseshoe and go across to the Belvedere Rd,” said Town Clerk Betti Jo Michaud.      
    During the six-month construction phase, MDOT took the bridge down to the riverbed and rebuilt it, according to Michaud. The bridge, part of U.S. Route 2, has taken several forms over the 20th century. According to Rebecca Drew, historian for the Island Falls Historical Society, the span was not completely covered but it had high sides circa 1906. It was called The Iron Bridge circa 1909 and was replaced by The New Bridge which was in use in 1929.
    According to Hatch, another infrastructure project, started in September to replace the town’s water mains with $1.2 million in state revolving funds, will resume in May when the weather permits.