Since 2009, the Riverwalk committee members, with the sanction of the towns of Topsham and Brunswick, have worked to bring about the construction of a four-season, fully-accessible, dedicated intown-walking and cycling loop along the sides of the Androscoggin River. The Riverwalk encompasses the historic Swinging Bridge and the sidewalk of the Frank J. Wood Bridge.
On Aug. 16, the construction contract was awarded to Harry C. Crooker and Sons Inc. to build the first portion of the loop, beginning at the parking lot of the Topsham Swinging Bridge Park and connecting to the sidewalk on Summer Street in Topsham’s Lower Village.
The Riverwalk committee, working with Brunswick resident and registered landscape architect Anthony Muench, created the concept plan vetted by many public meetings in Topsham and Brunswick. Wright-Pierce provided the construction documents and donated many additional hours when the project dragged on longer than expected, according to the release.
This portion of the project will cost an estimated $120,000, to be funded in part by a grant through the Maine Department of Transportation
Quality Community Program. The Riverwalk advisory committee continues to raise money for the local match for the grant. Fore River Foundation donated $24,000 earmarked for the project.
The fully-completed 1.25- mile Riverwalk will separate pedestrians and cyclists from vehicular traffic on Maine, Cabot, Bow and Mill streets in Brunswick and provide alternative safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists between the Topsham Heights neighborhood and downtown Brunswick.
“The Swinging Bridge and now the Androscoggin Riverwalk is a symbol of the connection and cooperation between Brunswick and Topsham today and in the future,” Randolph said.
For more information or to donate, call Nancy E. Randolph at 837-0558, email info@ AndroscogginRiverwalk.org or visit AndroscogginRiverwalk.org.
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