Wright-Pierce’s 2025 Calendar Series highlights projects featured in our yearly calendar. This month we take a look at the Old Ferry Road Tidal Crossing Bridge Replacement in Wiscasset, ME.
Old Ferry Road Tidal Crossing Bridge Replacement
Wright-Pierce completed the replacement for the Old Ferry Road tidal culvert and tidal stream bridge crossing to enhance habitat connectivity, maintain critical utility infrastructure, and allow safe travel for vehicles. Old Ferry Road is the sole access point for serval properties, including Central Maine Power and MoInlycke Health, and leads to a river landing used for recreational and commercial fishing activities, which made this a crucial project for the local community.
The project, led by Transportation Infrastructure Group Leader Jason Gallant and Project Manager Wes Nuhn, included field and topographic surveys at the project site to assess the existing conditions and create a base map that was used during the study phase of the project. Wright-Pierce also conducted tidal flow monitoring; a hydrologic analysis using HydroCAD; hydraulic modeling using HEC-RAS; analysis of the effects of multiple sea level rise scenarios on the watershed using the CoastWise Approach; and a culvert sizing analysis. After the study phase was completed, Wright-Pierce developed preliminary design plans for proposed roadway and bridge improvements for project permitting.
The final design made considerations for sea level rise over the 75-year design life of the replacement bridge in accordance with CoastWise and MaineDOT design standards. The project was a recipient of over $1.9M in funding from a combination of CDS, Maine DMR, and Maine DEP. Wright-Pierce obtained federal, state, and local permits.
Take a look back at our previous article to learn more about this project: Climate Change Drives Tidal Crossing Bridge Replacement
About the Photo
Project Manager, Wes, captured the included image of the new tidal bridge crossing. The new multi-plate arch bridge spans 24’-8” over the tidal crossing and opening tidal exchange where a 36” reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) culvert was once in place. When asked what made the picture calendar-worthy, Wes said, “Projects such as these serve as a reminder of the critical infrastructure that impact our daily lives that are often overlooked.”
Project Impact
The impact of this project is felt in many areas. The bridge is a critical piece of the Town’s transportation infrastructure, serving as a sole connection to commercial, industrial, and recreational facilities along Old Ferry Road. The roadway also carries new water and sanitary sewer infrastructure over the tidal natural resource.
Contact us for more project insight, information about providing similar services to your community, or for a copy of Wright-Pierce’s 2025 wall calendar.