TURNER – A new bridge is needed on Route 219 across the Androscoggin River, but where that bridge will be built remains a question.

Maine Department of Transportation officials met with selectmen and home owners who live near the Twin Bridges in North Turner to discuss options. The process, which began in 2001, has been slowed for a number of reasons, MDOT officials said, and still faces delays due to site investigations for historical and archaeological reasons.

The options range from rebuilding and renovating the current bridge at a cost of $3.9 million to a totally new structure with a 1,150-foot span several miles downstream at $10.7 million.

“Rebuilding the old bridge is the least desirable alternative,” said Eric Calterwood of MDOT’s Bridge Program. “It is the least expensive but it prolongs the whole situation.”

The most expensive option was also dismissed, because of cost and because it would affect 13 homes.

“This alternative would take a third of my farm and run right over (Selectman Jennifer Wadsworth’s) house,” said Selectman Ralph Caldwell.

Two other options were favored. The first would leave the bridge entrance on the Turner side but the bridge would cross on a curve over the river and end upstream on the Leeds side. This alternative would cost $5.9 million, would provide better alignment for Route 219 traffic which now must make a hard right turn onto the bridge and would be 360 feet long with three spans.

Wayne Frankhauser of the Bridge Program said it would require no temporary bridge during construction and would have little impact on abutting property owners.

But the addition of 12 feet of paved shoulder and its effect would be looked at by MDOT, officials said.

The second favored option would be to build a new bridge downstream where it would cross over into Leeds and connect via River Road to Route 219. That bridge would cost $7.6 million, affect 13 residences and require those using Route 108 from the north to turn right and go south before being able to cross.

Currently, routes 219 and 108 intersect at the bridge entrance, allowing commuters from the north, west and east easy access to the crossing. That option would increase the travel time for those on Route 108 but decrease the amount for those on Route 219.

The second option would also require the town of Turner to maintain one span of the current bridge for access to a cemetery on an island in the Androscoggin. Access, under law, must be maintained, but the state does not retain ownership of a bridge that does not have a minimum amount of use.

Officials expect it will take two construction seasons to complete a new bridge and construction cannot begin until public hearings are held and historical/archaeological sites are investigated. Should any of those sites yield significant historical finds, construction could be further delayed.

MDOT officials will return for a public hearing and will attempt to get consensus on the bridge options, Frankhauser said.

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