MaineDOT Provides Update on Llewellyn Estes Bridge Incident in Old Town
AUGUSTA – August 20, 2026 – MaineDOT and its partners continue to collect and review all available information and data related to the design, fabrication, and construction of the new Llewellyn Estes Bridge currently under construction over the Stillwater River in Old Town. This information gathering is part of a thorough and comprehensive review to determine the factors that led to the failure of one of the new spans during concrete placement of the new bridge deck. MaineDOT has engaged with the Federal Highway Administration’s Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center to provide expert assistance and independent analysis.
MaineDOT has also completed an inspection of the temporary bridge currently carrying traffic at the site and has determined the structure is sound and safe for continued use. The inspection was done to ensure no damage occurred to the temporary bridge when the span failed. As is standard for temporary bridge structures, motorists may encounter occasional maintenance activities while the bridge is in service. These routine maintenance activities are part of normal work done on temporary bridges as the result of ongoing periodic inspections.
MaineDOT is also working with the project and investigation partners to conduct a thorough physical inspection of the site and remaining structure as part of a forensic analysis of the span failure. This work will ensure safe access to the site to facilitate the inspection and debris removal. The evaluation will involve MaineDOT, bridge beam designer and fabricator Basalt Engineering International, general bridge contractor Reed & Reed, Inc., the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, and the Federal Highway Administration’s Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center. The physical inspection will require a temporary daytime closure on Wednesday, August 26, to allow personnel to safely access and inspect the site. Other closures may take place as needed. Traffic will be rerouted along the established and previously used detour route. Motorists should plan for additional travel time.
The Llewellyn Estes Bridges carry Stillwater Avenue over two channels of the Stillwater River. MaineDOT is replacing the two bridges and is currently directing traffic over the temporary bridge. The new bridges were under construction and not open to motorists at the time of the August 13 incident.
MaineDOT appreciates the public’s patience as the evaluation moves forward. This investigation may take some time but is necessary to inform MaineDOT of the best options available to complete the bridge replacement project. The Department will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
