NAPLES – The Maine Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting today at 7 p.m. at the Songo Locks School to discuss the future of the 54-year-old swing bridge on Route 302.

The bridge is integral to a historic waterway between Harrison and Standish that was once part of the Cumberland-Oxford Canal, and allowed sailboat and other boat traffic to move between Long and Sebago lakes, according to a release issued by the Bridgton Chamber of Commerce.

The estimated cost to replace the bridge has increased from $11 million to $18 million. MDOT is not suggesting that a stationary bridge be built to save money, the chamber release stated.

The bridge turns, allowing boat traffic, including the Songo River Queen, to pass from Long Lake into the Songo locks system.

“The replacement of this bridge with a fixed-span bridge will have a severe impact on this community,” the release stated.

Marinas, campgrounds, stores, restaurants and other businesses may all suffer if a bridge that does not allow boat traffic to pass is put in, the release stated.