Construction under way for new Veterans Bridge

Construction began Monday on Veterans Memorial Bridge, which connects Portland and South Portland off Route 295.

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should be aware that during construction Veterans Memorial Bridge southbound sidewalk and shoulder will be closed starting June 28. There will also be daily southbound lane closures as necessary during off-peak traffic hours for construction activities. Traffic during peak hours on weekdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. will not be affected.

The new bridge is scheduled to open in summer 2012, at which time the old Veterans Memorial Bridge will be removed. The entire project will be complete by December 2012.  

The bridge design incorporates three overlooks on the bridge and two landscaped parks on each end to reinforce the gateway experience.  The Portland side will feature a memorial park that recognizes the five branches of the military while the memorial park on the South Portland will be dedicated to the merchant marines. The three overlooks along the bridge will feature interpretive installations with emphasis on area historical, marine, environmental and transportation-related topics.

The project website, www.veteransmemorialbridge.org, will be updated regularly to include traffic updates, possible detours and progress on construction. 

Car crashes into South Portland bank window

A South Portland man escaped serious injury around 7:30 p.m. Monday after his four-door Chevy sedan crashed through a plate glass window into the lobby of the Bank of America at Mill Creek Shopping Center.

Barry Edwards, 62, got his foot stuck on the gas pedal as he tried to park outside the bank, according to South Portland Police Lt. Todd Bernard.

The car jumped the curb, crossed the sidewalk and smashed through the window near the bank’s entrance, and nearly hit an ATM machine inside the lobby.

The bank was closed at the time of the accident.

Edwards complained of pain in his legs and was evaluated and treated at the scene by South Portland Fire and Rescue personnel. He did not require transportation to the hospital. 

The accident was caused by operator error not mechanical failure of the vehicle, Bernard said.

Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $5,000, while damage to the bank will cost $12,000 to repair.

Conservation commission gathers ideas for land

Sheila Wellehan was the only Cape Elizabeth resident who attended the Conservation Commission’s public forum last week.

The forum was held to solicit input from residents to develop a management plan for town-owned parks and trails.

The commission has been charged by the town council to present a recommendation by the end of this year, said councilor Jessica Sullivan.

Wellehan urged the commission to increase publicity for the town’s open spaces with hopes it would increase usage. She said it was important to, “let people know there are so many trails out there.” 

Cape Elizabeth has 11 public trails that cover more than 11 miles.

Commission member Mike Duddy said members are adding more signs and maps to the trails.

“There has been a great deal of talk about the importance of mapping. That would help with access and user friendliness,” said Sullivan, the council’s liaison to the commission.

Wellehan also said she was concerned about unleashed dogs not under owners’ voice control in the town’s Greenbelt.

“I very much hope the default for dogs is voice control. It’s a responsibility,” said Wellehan. She added that some people don’t realize they should have their dog under voice control when it’s off leash.

Duddy said the commission is seeking input from residents about topics such as using mountain bikes, horseback riding and hours of use for the trails.

“These are the kinds of issues we want to hear comments about,” Duddy said.

 Commission Chairman Dena DeSena encouraged residents to send comments to Cape Elizabeth Town Planner Maureen O’Meara.

The commission meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month in the ACP Conference Room at Town Hall.

COPS program accepting forms

The Cape Elizabeth Police Department, in collaboration with other Cumberland County communities, is offering an 11-week Citizen Orientated Policing School (COPS) starting Sept. 8. 

The class sessions are held each Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at various participating law enforcement agencies.

The Cape Elizabeth Police Department is accepting applications for the Citizen Orientated Policing School through Aug. 15. To obtain an application stop by the Cape Elizabeth Police Department, 325 Ocean House Road.

Participating law enforcement agenices are  Falmouth, Freeport, Yarmouth, Scarborough, South Portland, Portland and Westbrook.