SACO — An ad hoc committee has been formed that will review the future of the Stackpole Creek Bridge.
The bridge, located on Simpson Road, is a stone structure built in the 1840s by masons, without a clear engineering design, according to city records. Simpson Road runs off Route 112 and ends in Buxton on Route 117.
Only one lane of traffic is open on the bridge, and the city has restricted the load capacity.
City public works staff routinely monitor the bridge and have found that it is shifting at a faster rate as time progresses. CLD Consulting engineers has recommended the city close the bridge during moderate rainfalls and when water in Stackpole Creek rises above five feet.
City officials have discussed the bridge many times over the past decade, but have never come to a final decision on whether to restore the bridge or replace it.
On Monday, the city council approved an ad hoc committee to study the Stackpole Creek Bridge and Simpson Road, make a recommendation on how the city will move forward, and prepare a report for the Saco City Council and the Buxton Board of Selectmen.
The group will also report on whether the city should work toward listing the bridge on the National Historic Register.
The committee will consist of four Saco residents of Simpson Road, a resident of Buxton, State Rep. Linda Valentino, D-Saco, Saco City Councilor David Tripp, a Buxton selectman, the Saco and Buxton Public Works directors, police and fire chiefs from both towns, and a representative from the Saco Historic Preservation Commission.
At Monday night’s city council meeting, Councilor Marston Lovell raised some concerns that the committee may not have an understanding that the city is facing a difficult upcoming budget year and can’t spend a “gigantic” amount of money.
Mayor Mark Johnston said the city council will make the final decision regarding the bridge.
“The ad hoc committee will have no power whatsoever other than a recommendation,” he said.
Tripp reassured Lovell, stating that the group will look for viable solutions. He said the city has talked about this for years, and he would like to “put this to bed as soon as we possibly can.
“I’m looking forward to having this thing resolved, I would hope, in the next six months,” said Tripp.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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