Built in 1948, Main Street Bridge was a prominent, beautiful, and signature structure in the heart of the Town of Yarmouth’s historic village. After 64 years of service, however, the structure was in poor condition and required replacement. The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) engaged VHB to design a cost-effective, durable, and low maintenance replacement bridge that also addressed Yarmouth’s vision for the project. Yarmouth’s Bridge Advisory Committee identified two major goals for the project: create a bridge that reinforced the traditional look and feel of the historic village and connected vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian linkages to reflect the Town’s Complete Street policy, and improve the continuity of the Beth Condon Memorial Pathway.
Working closely with MaineDOT and the Town’s Bridge Advisory Committee, VHB provided a design that met both the Department’s and the Town’s goals for the project. The new three-span concrete arch bridge is a low-maintenance, durable structure that echoes the historic appearance of the original bridge. A new sidewalk and 10-foot multi-use path improved pedestrian and bicycle safety and connectivity, while landscaping and lighting improvements enhanced both the usability and appearance in this important area in the center of Yarmouth.
