Replacing a bridge in a weekend is an incredible feat. After months of planning and preparation, the team on the Veranda Street Bridge Replacement project knew they had a challenge ahead of them. The bridge is on one of Maine’s busiest stretches of highway, with an average of more than55,000 vehicles passing over it daily. Constructed in 1961, the bridge was deteriorating after decades of heavy use, with an inspection in 2017 citing its condition as poor and structurally deficient. Cianbro was awarded the $20.8million replacement and opted to use an innovative method involving self–propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) to replace the high-use bridge in a single weekend. This method allowed for the bridge to be constructed closer to the ground and farther from active traffic, improving safety for team members and motorists.

Maine DOT, Cianbro, HNTB, Mammoet, and Shaw Brothers worked closely from the beginning of the project, carefully planning for the 60-hour window in April 2022 when the highway was shut down and the team rolled the pre-constructed bridge into place. Teamwork and communication were critical to seeing this project to completion in November 2022, earning it recognition both regionally and nationally from various agencies.

Regional Awards:

·        Engineering News-Record (ENR) New England 2023 Best Project Award in the Highway/Bridge category

·        Associated General Contractors (AGC) Build Maine Award in the Bridge category

·        Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Connecticut Chapter Excellence in Construction Award in the Infrastructure category

National Awards:

·        AGC Build America Award in New Highway & Transportation

·        ABC National Excellence in Construction Eagle Award

Congratulations to all the team members who ensured the success of this award-winning project!