The Maine Department of Transportation’s 2024 work plan includes $3 million to paint and repave the Ewing Narrows Bridge between Harpswell Neck and Sebascodegan Island.
The work plan estimates the cost to paint the bridge at $1.6 million and the cost for “wearing surface replacement” at $1.4 million. The Department of Transportation plans to seek bids for the painting in March and the paving in July, according to a department schedule.
A spokesperson for the department did not respond to a request for more information about the project.
The Ewing Narrows Bridge officially opened on July 10, 1976, according to a March 2020 story in the Harpswell Anchor. The bridge connected Harpswell to Sebascodegan Island and, by extension, Orr’s and Bailey islands. Before 1976, motorists on the islands or the Neck had to drive through Brunswick to reach the other side of Harpswell.
Other 2024 work on the Department of Transportation’s list of Harpswell projects includes ditching 1.3 miles of Cundy’s Harbor Road at its southern end. That project will cost approximately $60,000.
The department released its work plan for 2024-2026 in January. For 2025, the plan includes the construction of a boat ramp and other work on the waterfront at George J. Mitchell Field.
The town estimates the full cost of the Mitchell Field project at $850,000, of which the state will contribute up to $357,250, according to Town Planner Mark Eyerman.
The Department of Transportation’s work plan also lists numerous “maintenance accomplishments” in Harpswell for 2023. For example, the department responded to eight emergencies and inspected three bridges last year.
