Bridge in Maine Closed to Motorcoach Traffic

July 14, 2003

Bridge in Maine Closed to Motorcoach Traffic
The Maine Office of Tourism announced today that the Waldo-Hancock Bridge would be closed to motorcoaches traveling in the Bucksport, Maine area for an indefinite period of time.

In a recent inspection by the Maine Department of Transportation, officials found some safety issues which resulted in the posting of a weight limit reaching 24,000 pounds (registered gross weight). All vehicles exceeding this weight limit will be rerouted through Bangor, Maine, detouring travel by 40 miles. Maine State Police patrols will be enforcing the weight limit 24-hours per day, seven days a week.

Representatives in the Maine Office of Tourism told NTA that the Department of Transportation is exploring options for strengthening the bridge, and there is a possibility the bridge will need to be replaced.

Eastbound traffic in the area should travel onto U.S. Route 1A in Stockton Springs, north to Bangor and along Route 1A to Ellsworth, Maine. Westbound travel should take Route 1A north from Ellsworth to Bangor and continue on either I-95 south or south on Route 1A to Stockton Springs, Maine.

For more information about the bridge closure, NTA members should contact the Maine Office of Tourism at 207-624-9815.