Twelve million dollars in savings has been targeted by the team working on the replacement of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge that crosses the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth, N.H., and Kittery, Maine. The original estimate of $172 million has been reduced to $160 million. This figure includes the design, engineering, property acquisition and construction of the new bridge. The bridge is slated for replacement in 2014.
“The team is working great. Through an innovative CMGC [construction management, general contractor] project delivery process, we continue to be on schedule with the design phase thanks to the cooperation of all involved,” said MaineDOT Deputy Commissioner Bruce Van Note. The CMGC Team consists of MaineDOT, NHDOT, Figg Engineering Group and Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield, Maine. Van Note added, “Through this team process, we are able to identify significant cost savings to the taxpayers of both states. The biggest challenge to delivering this project is funding. We have the team. We have the desire. We have the ability. We just need to find the money . . . and every dollar counts."
Cost targets will continue to be refined as the design proceeds. Stakeholders will be asked their thoughts on selecting a bridge theme, which will include bridge railing preferences, color preferences and other design opportunities.
Currently, repairs are being done to the bridge due to a tanker striking the structure in early April. The repairs are separate from the replacement project.
