NAPLES - Voters will weigh in on the future of the Naples Bay Bridge in a straw poll Tuesday.

The poll, which will coincide with the election of town and school officials, asks whether voters support a fixed span or a new swing bridge to replace the 54-year-old crossing.

Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Municipal Building gymnasium.

According to the ballot, a fixed span would cost $8 million and include work on the adjacent causeway, including the addition of lighting, fencing and other features. The costs would be assumed by the Maine Department of Transportation.

Under the swing bridge option, the movable bridge would be replaced by another one. Although $11 million was approved by the state Legislature last year, costs for the replacement of the bridge have increased. The MDOT has estimated that it will cost $14.5 million to put in a new swing bridge.

Costs exceeding $11 million would be assumed by other sources, including towns and businesses in the region and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Naples Bay Bridge, which takes Route 302 across the Chute River between Long Lake and Brandy Pond, needs to be replaced because of increasing maintenance costs.

Some are concerned that the less-expensive fixed span, which would have a 12-foot clearance, would exclude boats traveling between Sebago Lake and Long Lake, including sailboats and the Songo River Queen II, a large riverboat that offers tours on the two lakes.

"I don't think it's been realized how much loss there will be if the fixed bridge goes in," said Raymond Wallace, an independent paralegal who works with the Save the Bridge Committee.

According to a February letter from Bruce Van Note, deputy commissioner of the MDOT, the department has promised to consider both options through methods such as economic impact studies and communication with regional officials. Van Note noted that of more than 125 people attending a public hearing on the issue in January, the "great majority" was in favor of a swing bridge.

However, David Sherlock, manager of MDOT's Bridge Program, said Friday that of 92 responses to the department, 63 were in favor of a fixed span, while 24 favored a swing bridge and five had no preference.

"Right now it's coming in in favor of a fixed bridge, and we hope that trend continues," Sherlock said.

Sherlock said the Naples bridge, unlike year-round movable bridges catering to commercial boating traffic, is only open seasonally and is used by recreational traffic. He said the "vast majority" of the boats would still be able to travel under a fixed span.

Comments posted on the Save the Bridge Committee's Web site by those in favor of a swing bridge say it would have a more beneficial effect on businesses in the area, preserve the character of the causeway, and allow more boats to pass through.

Web commentators in favor of a fixed bridge say the existing swing bridge ties up traffic and may slow the response time of emergency vehicles.

Wallace said the bridge opens at regular intervals, but can also be opened upon request.

"If you live in that area for any length of time, you know the operations of the bridge," he said.

The poll also asks if voters are in favor of a public transportation system between Bridgton and Portland. The service would run early-morning, mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and early-evening trips at an estimated $3-$4 for a one-way trip.

The service would be supported by rider fares, federal grants and property taxes, of which Naples would share approximately $2,931.