News Release for October 12, 2007
More Information:
- Ben Foster, 207-592-2637 or Ben.Foster@maine.gov
- OFC of Communications: 207-624-3030 or Commmunications.MaineDOT@maine.gov

VARNEY’S BRIDGE IN SOUTH BERWICK CLOSURE CONTINUED

Following an in-depth inspection of Varney's Bridge in South Berwick last week, Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) engineers have determined that the bridge will remain closed for an indefinite time period.  Varney's Bridge had been closed to traffic since Friday, September 28th, following a determination by MaineDOT engineers that the bridge should be closed pending a closer inspection, to assure the safety of those using the bridge.

Varney’s Bridge carries Vine Street in South Berwick over the Great Works River and Leigh’s Mill Pond. The bridge and roadway carry relatively low traffic volumes, but the bridge closure was expected to require some local traffic to adopt alternate routes.

Varney's Bridge has been under close observation by MaineDOT bridge inspectors for years, and was identified in early 2007 as one of 288 bridges in Maine that must either be replaced or rehabilitated within a decade, or be closed.  Last Tuesday, a bridge inspection team conducted a detailed inspection of the bridge structure using an under-bridge crane. Of greatest concern to bridge engineers was the stability of the bridge’s “bearings,” where concrete beams rest on the bridge’s piers.

"Back in 1994, MaineDOT performed structural repairs on the bridge piers that were expected to extend the life of the bridge for 10 years," says State Bridge Maintenance Engineer John Buxton. "The bridge has actually functioned safely and satisfactorily for a few years beyond that.  But at this time, it has deteriorated to the point where it needs to be closed for the safety of the public," he continues.

MaineDOT has made no decisions about the future of Varney's Bridge. In the coming months, MaineDOT planners and engineers will undertake further assessments to determine what measures are appropriate.

For more information, editors may contact Ben Foster by phone at 624-3423, or by e-mail at Ben.Foster@maine.gov.

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