T3 INDIAN PURCHASE TWP - The Maine Department of Transportation is beginning work to replace the Detective Benjamin Campbell Bridge in T3 Indian Purchase TWP. This bridge carries Route 11 over the West Branch Penobscot River approximately four miles southwest of Millinocket. The current bridge is structurally deficient. Traffic is currently limited to one truck at a time.
Utility work has been underway for several weeks. Recently, the contractor on this project, T. Buck Construction of Turner, has started to clear trees to make room for the construction of a temporary detour bridge on the east side of the existing structure. This temporary bridge will allow one-way, alternating traffic, controlled by temporary traffic signals, during the construction period. Construction on the temporary bridge is scheduled to begin on March 2nd. The structure should be fully constructed and open to traffic in the fall.
The new permanent bridge will include a ten-foot-wide sidewalk, which will serve as a recreational vehicle crossing. The existing bridge that is dedicated to ATV and snowmobile traffic will also remain. Construction of the new Detective Benjamin Campbell bridge is scheduled to be finished in October 2023. The total project cost is $8.3 million.