MaineDOT to use steel girders in Old Town bridge rebuild

OLD TOWN, Maine (WABI) - The Maine Department of Transportation says it will use conventional steel girders to replace the Llewellyn Estes Bridge over the Stillwater River in Old Town.

This comes as officials continue investigating what caused part of the bridge to collapse back in August.

An assessment team recommended the steel girders as the most efficient way forward.

Transportation Commissioner Dale Doughty approved the plan, saying it offers crews the most practical path to finish the job while experts determine the cause of the failure.

MaineDOT emphasizes the girder decision does not point to what caused the collapse, adding the bridge’s foundations and substructure will stay in place.

Demolition is set to begin once the state approves the contractor’s plan.