MADAWASKA - The Maine Department of Transportation will be using a helicopter to help conduct geotechnical explorations in the St. John River between Madawaska and Edumundston, New Brunswick next week. The purpose of the geotechnical exploration work is to determine the location and quality of bedrock in the river for the future placement of bridge abutments and in-water piers for the new Madawaska-Edmundston International Bridge.
The drilling project will begin October 25th and end November 27th, but the helicopter will only be used from October 27th through November 1st. The helicopter's main function is to transport materials. The steep embankments and shallow depths of the river make this air support necessary. This is the first time the MaineDOT Bridge Program is using a helicopter to pick up and place drill rigs on boring locations.
The helicopter activity will be west of Mill Street and north of Route 1 with a direct flight path to the river. The traveling public will not be impacted by this activity and the flight path does not cross over any occupied structures or public roads.
The helicopter belongs to CHI Aviation out of Michigan. This company specializes in aerial lifts.
MaineDOT is still working with our counterparts in Canada on the design work, funding, and environmental impacts of the new bridge. We expect to put the job out to bid in the fall of 2020.