When it comes to bridges, Naples residents want theirs to swing.

The preference was expressed Tuesday by a vote of 484-339, although the referendum question asking a choice between a fixed or swing bridge to replace the one on the Naples Causeway was non-binding.

“It needs to be swing,” said barge owner Jonathon Marcous while voting at town hall Tuesday.

Larry Robbins disagreed. “I hope they weld it shut,” he said, adding it always seemed to be open when he was on his way to work.

Several other voters said they were influenced towards the swing option by the conversation going on in the town. “So many people want the swing,” said resident Don Tubbs.

The bridge on crosses the Chute River, which connects Long Lake with Brandy Pond. The current bridge, which is over 50 years old, is a swing bridge.

The purpose of the referendum was to help the Naples Selectboard gauge town opinion, but the Maine Department of Transportation also paid attention to the result. “The referendum is one part of the whole process,” said MDOT public information officer Mark Latti. “At this point we’re re-evaluating where we go from here.” Latti said the next step is to talk with town officials and continue the public process.

“We also have to look at what’s best for the region as a whole,” said Latti, pointing to the fact that Route 302 is a major corridor stretching from Portland to North Conway, N.H. “In tight budget times with the state, we need to look at the best use of taxpayers’ money,” Latti said, adding that the state has enough money to cover $8 million for a fixed bridge, but cannot afford $14.5 million for a new movable bridge. The extra $6.5 million would have to come from another source, such as towns, businesses, or fundraising efforts.

The Committee to Save the Bridge has been actively supporting the swing bridge option. Committee chairwoman Maggie Krainin said, “we’re very gratified with the results. Now it’s clear what the townspeople want.” Krainin said the selectboard should take the results and lead the town forward.

Selectwoman Karen Thompson said it’s clear that people in town want a moveable bridge, but she also said that it’s up to the state to replace the bridge. Towns do not generally help fund repair of state roads, she said. Selectman Robert Caron agreed. “This bridge belongs to the state,” Caron said.

The wording of the non-binding referendum question inspired much debate, as the question asked residents to choose between a fixed bridge paid for completely by the state and a swing bridge paid for by the state and other sources. At Monday’s selectmen’s meeting, some residents urged the board to discard the question or seal up the votes without counting them.

Don Tubbs receives a ballot from Beth Chaplin. Tubbs said he was going for the swing bridge because he didn’t like the aesthetics of the fixed bridge.