NORWAY — The Maine Department of Transportation has determined the Crockett Ridge Road bridge is in serious need of repair and has posted a 22-ton weight limit until repairs can be made.
The determination by the state came as a surprise to town officials, who were informed of the decision during the Board of Selectmen meeting Thursday. The town had the bridge listed as on its maintenance schedule for 2027.
Norway road engineer Rob True disagreed with the state’s position, but the Maine DOT refused to budge, said interim Town Manager Bradley Plante.
The Board of Selectmen learned of the problem last week.
The town plans to meet with the Army Corps of Engineers in the near future to consider the best way to meet the state’s guidelines, Plante said. One of the considerations is whether to replace the problem area with a bridge or some type of a culvert, added highway foreman Steve Powers.
“We have a plan,” Plante said. “We’re going to move forward. This kind of dropped out of the sky. It’s unfortunate that the DOT was not willing to work with us.”
Back in 2012, the Maine DOT told the town that the bridge had deficiencies, but was considered safe. The town made repairs within two years of the determination.
In other business, the town approved the warrant for next month’s special town meeting.
The warrant consists of two articles. The first asks residents to approve the appropriation of $10,507 from the town’s undesignated, unrestricted fund balance to cover the budget shortfall in the insurance account for an unexpected last-minute increase.
The second asks voters to approve an ordinance entitled “Ordinance establishing a moratorium on certain activities within 250 feet of the Crooked River.” The 180-day moratorium will give the town time to revisit its current Shoreland Zoning Ordinance to make changes to better protect the Crooked River, a vital breeding habitat for landlock salmon in Sebago Lake.
The special town meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Forum at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in neighboring Paris.
The board approved extending the liquor license for 290 Main St. to cover the outdoor lounge area. The board also approved an outdoor festival license for the band Creation Completed for Street Dance, a fundraiser for the Opera House. The event will be held at Longley Square on Friday, Aug. 18, from 5:30 to 11 p.m.
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