It's been two months since the Llewellyn Estes Bridge in Old Town partially collapsed into the water as crews worked to replace it.

Old Town Bridge Collapse, Milford Fire/Rescue via Facebook

The Maine DOT, which has been investigating the bridge failure since it fell as workers began pouring concrete on the deck on August 13th, is now ready to begin removing the collapsed sections of the structure.

How Will The Cleanup Take Place?

To safely remove the debris from the collapse, contractors with Reed & Reed, along with folks from the Maine DOT, will have to close down the temporary bridge for a short while throughout the next two weeks. The temporary bridge was constructed so that motorists could travel along Stillwater Avenue over the river while the original bridge was being replaced.

Old Town Bridge Collapse, Cori Skall

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According to ME DOT officials, the closure is necessary due to how close these two bridges are to one another, and because of the large equipment that will need to be brought in to remove the broken sections, one part at a time.

"Closure timing will depend on demolition operations, construction progress, weather conditions, and other site-specific factors...The work will include crews carefully separating the span from the pier and abutment, reducing it into smaller pieces, and lifting those pieces from the river for processing on land. This work will proceed slowly and carefully to protect workers and the public while minimizing damage to the pier and abutment."

Old Town Bridge Collapse, Cori Skall

When Will The Bridge Be Closed?

Officials say that the closures will begin Tuesday, October 13th between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM. It will happen, they say, intermittently throughout that week, and they estimate the work could lead into the next week as well.

What Will Drivers Do When Llewellyn Estes Temporary Bridge Is Closed?

With plenty of messaging via message boards in the vicinity, motorists will be guided along a familiar detour (this is the same one that's been used in former instances when the bridge has been closed).

Old Town Bridge Collapse, Cori Skall

This will take them up Bennoch Road to North Main Street and connect them with College Ave in Orono, which will hook back up with Stillwater, just past the bridge. The detour does add about an extra 10 minutes max to that drive, so folks should plan accordingly.

Read More: Maine Musician Writes Song About Stillwater Bridge Collapse

Maine DOT officials say they hope that if the weather, the demolition and deconstruction efforts all line up, and no other major challenges arise, the temporary bridge will reopen to a regular traffic pattern by the end of the week of October 19th.