MADAWASKA, Maine — Large trucks will be able to go to Canada from Madawaska, saving both time and money, when officials lift the 5-ton weight limit on Aug. 1.
The previous bridge, which was more than a century old, was permanently closed on June 3 to make way for the new bridge and port of entry. Because of its age, it was posted at 5 tons in 2017.
The new bridge opened to traffic on June 6, but it also carried a temporary 5-ton weight limit. This is primarily due to overlapping construction areas, according to Paul Merrill, spokesperson for the Maine DOT.
Aug. 1 will mark the first time in seven years that larger trucks can cross into Canada from Madawaska. Previously, they have had to drive to either Fort Kent or Van Buren to get into Canada. Both towns are roughly a half hour drive from Madawaska.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) was consulted for its preferred timeline for removing the weight restriction on the new bridge.
“Although CBSA staffing levels and peak travel periods were among the factors considered and discussed, the CBSA can confirm that it has sufficient resources in place to deliver on its mandate in Edmundston,” agency spokesperson Luke Reimer said. “This includes processing larger commercial vehicles.”
The Edmundston port of entry is open 24 hours a day and is considered to be one of Canada’s busiest land crossings, Reimer said.
The project came about roughly two decades ago, when officials on both sides of the border recognized that the old bridge was approaching 100 years of age.
At the same time, U.S. Customs, the General Services Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security started discussing updating Madawaska’s port of entry, which was built in 1959 and did not have expansion capabilities. The new bridge, which runs diagonally across the St. John River, connects to a brand new port of entry facility on the American side.
The port was estimated to cost roughly $65 million. The new bridge was awarded to Reed & Reed, a contractor based in Woolwich, in 2021 for $86.5 million, the lowest bid. When factoring demolition costs for the old bridge, the project is estimated to cost $97.5 million.
While the new bridge may look finished, construction is not fully complete, Merrill said.
“The old bridge and abutment interfere with the edge of the approach ramp to the new bridge,” he said. “Demolition and removal of the old bridge started after it was permanently closed on June 6. Abutment removal is happening right now.”
Construction will be complete for a new approach ramp by next spring, he said.
“The turning radius will continue to be somewhat restricted for the next nine months or so while construction continues,” he said. “But that should not impact the vehicles that are allowed on the bridge.”
All vehicles will be fine to cross after the limit is lifted on Aug. 1.
“This is a complicated project with many factors, including weather, that could change our plans, but next Thursday is the goal we’re working towards,” Merrill said. “I don’t believe there will be any restrictions once the current restriction is lifted.”
Looking ahead, an international ribbon cutting event is planned for Aug. 15 at the bridge at 10:30 a.m. The event will feature a large group from both sides of the border, including Maine DOT Commissioner Bruce A. Van Note and Chief Engineer Joyce Noel Taylor, Merrill said.
