Milone & MacBroom, Inc. was selected by the Maine Department of Transportation to design and prepare contract documents for the replacement of the Charles River Bridge and the removal of Red Iron Bridge in Fryeburg, Maine.
This project initially required the evaluation of both bridges to decide which bridge would be designated for removal and which for replacement. Impacts on the surrounding area, particularly roadways, were included in the evaluation process and public meetings were coordinated by Milone & MacBroom, Inc. to obtain opinions from the traveling public on the use of the structures. Originally the Department of Transportation was considering the replacement of Red Iron Bridge, built in 1957, and the removal of the Charles River Bridge, built in 1930. Ultimately, the decision was reversed based on the evaluation of the bridges, public opinion, and historic designations.
Milone & MacBroom, Inc. prepared a preliminary design report to outline design criteria for the replacement of Charles River Bridge. The report included a type study to determine the most appropriate geometry, superstructure and substructure for the replacement, hydrologic and hydraulic evaluation of the 70 square mile watershed, and scour evaluation using the HEC-RAS computer model and FHWA standard procedures.
The selected structure for the Charles River bridge is a 100’ single span bridge using rolled beams with composite concrete deck supported by integral concrete abutments on piles. Final design is currently 80% complete. The preparation of the Preliminary Design Report for the removal of the Red Iron Bridge will begin shortly.
The pictures below reflect the existing conditions.