Web site created for bridge reconstruction

A new Web site has been launched as a way to communicate with the public during the public information and construction phases of the Veterans Memorial Bridge replacement project.  The bridge connects Portland and South Portland, off Route 295. The Web site is www.veteransmemorialbridge.org.

Earlier this year The Maine Department of Transportation announced Reed & Reed of Woolwich, would construct the project.  

The winning proposal, a $63 million design/build project, is slated to begin construction in June. The new bridge will open to traffic in summer 2012, at which time the old Veterans Memorial Bridge will be removed. The entire project will be complete by December 2012.

Stakeholder meetings, currently under way, include a variety of citizens representing public works, bike and pedestrian groups, Portland Trails, veterans groups, city officials, neighbors and nearby businesses.  

The project team, which includes Reed & Reed,  TY Lin and their subcontractors, have provided details including bridge alignment, new intersections and connectors on both ends of the bridge, bike and pedestrian pathways, pavilions honoring Maine’s Veterans, landscaping and overall bridge design

The Web site will be the best source for all meeting announcements, current information and maps, project timeline and details on the bike and pedestrian access. After this initial phase of public involvement and design input, construction will begin in June 2010. The Web site will offer regular updates including information on traffic, possible detours and construction progress. 

Disruption to traffic is expected to be minimal because the existing bridge will remain open to traffic. 

Cape Elizabeth School Board passes budget

The Cape Elizabeth School Board on Tuesday unanimously passed a $20.6 million budget. 

The fiscal year 2011 budget, which begins July 1, includes a 2.75 percent increase in the tax rate. The increase would add $87.56 to the school portion of the annual property tax bill for a homeowner with a house valued at $250,000 in Cape Elizabeth.

“This is an austere budget. There is no fat. There is no waste,” said Board member David Hillman. 

Several part-time jobs were cut or reduced including a high school music teacher and a Mandarin language teacher. High school parking fees were raised from $25 to $50 per year.

The board made its final decision after holding one public meeting and several workshops during March and April. 

The board has been considering three budget scenarios since February that would have increased the town’s tax rate anywhere from zero to 5 percent.

“The process has been thorough but not without pain,” said board member John Christie. “It preserves the quality of the education in our schools.”

The town council will vote on the budget May 25 and the school budget validation vote by Cape Elizabeth residents is scheduled for June 8.