Wright-Pierce’s calendar series showcases the projects featured in our yearly calendar. For the next installment in the 2026 series, we highlight the Frank J. Wood Bridge Water Main Replacement in Brunswick and Topsham, Maine.
Project Background
Originally constructed in 1932, the Frank J. Wood Bridge, connecting Brunswick and Topsham, was slated for replacement and, with it, the existing bridge crossing water main was set to be replaced with a new, larger 16-inch water main to improve flow and redundancy between the Towns. As a result, the Brunswick & Topsham Water District (BTWD) hired Wright-Pierce to assist with the design of the water main portion of the project.
Project Team Services
Wright-Pierce, led by Project Manager Darrin Lary, designed over 1,400 feet of water main for the entire project. The water main consisted of approximately 800 feet of pipe suspended on the bridge. Also included in the project were approximately 650 feet of buried water main, 350 on the Brunswick side and 300 on the Topsham side. The 16-inch ductile-iron buried mains on either side of the bridge connected with existing water mains to the new 16-inch pre-insulated restrained joint water main suspended from the new bridge. Because of the significant curvature of the new bridge, the water main needed to be designed to match and withstand thrust forces caused by potential water surge events. We developed a phased plan to guide the contractor and minimize shutdowns needed to connect the new pipeline to the existing piping.
The replacement of the water main was constructed as part of the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) bridge replacement project, making coordination with MaineDOT essential. Wright-Pierce structural and water engineers worked closely with the bridge designers to properly locate the pipe hanger supports and bracing to not interfere with required bridge structural members. Upon design completion, we coordinated with MaineDOT to provide reproduceable plans and specifications for inclusion in MaineDOT bridge bidding documents. We also assisted in the bidding and construction process by representing BTWD, issuing additional information as required and observing the installation of the water main to guide compliance with the design documents.
About The Photo
Senior Discipline Design Specialist Ryan Beisaw captured this drone photo during construction. When asked about the shot, Ryan said, “The purpose of this shot was to capture and highlight the water main installed on the bridge during construction. It’s fun to see projects during construction because it tells a story of how it all came together. I chose to shoot this on a Friday afternoon when there was a limited work crew on-site as to not distract or interfere with work being done on the bridge and that allowed me to get up close and grab a great perspective looking down the length of the bridge.”
Project Impact
The replacement of the Frank J. Wood Bridge was a necessity as the nearly one hundred-year-old structure had a failing floor system, deteriorated crossbeams, and corroded sidewalk supports. But more was considered than just a bridge replacement as the additional vital infrastructure of the water main was also a central component of the project. Water service was maintained throughout the project with little to no disruption to users.
Contact us if you’d like a copy of Wright-Pierce’s 2027 wall calendar or to learn more about any of our projects and how we can provide similar services to your community.