Old Town's Llewellyn Estes Bridge Under Investigation

It's been two weeks since workers rebuilding the Llewellyn Estes Bridge in Old Town got the scare of their lives when the structure they were renovating collapsed while contractors were pouring concrete. The incident left several workers injured, one hospitalized.

Officials have not yet released what caused the bridge to buckle; they are heading back to the scene Wednesday to take another look.

Old Town Bridge Collapse, Milford Fire/Rescue via Facebook

To thoroughly examine the area, they had to temporarily shut down the adjacent temporary bridge that was built to shuttle traffic over the Penobscot River.

They warned motorists that the temporary bridge closure would affect travel in the area from 8 AM till the afternoon.

However, the Maine Department of Transportation said the bridge would be reopened by Wednesday evening.

"The temporary bridge over the Stillwater River in Old Town will be closed from 8:00 a.m. until mid-afternoon on Wednesday, August 26, to allow crews to inspect the site following the August 13 partial collapse of the adjacent bridge under construction. During the closure, traffic will be redirected along the previously utilized detour route. Motorists should allow extra travel time."

Old Town Bridge Detour, MaineDOT via Facebook

Get our free mobile app

The Llewellen Estes Bridge replacement project has been in the works since 2022, with construction kicking off around 2024. The temporary bridge was constructed so that traffic could be detoured through, and the old bridge shut down for repairs.

The Maine DOT, Reed & Reed Contractors, and folks from the Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center at the University of Maine have been working together on the effort, employing new technology developed here in the Pine Tree State.

Officials have said they are hoping to get the bridgework back up and running so as not to impede or impact the construction schedule.

Where the View Steals the Show: 13 Standout Bridges in Maine

Discover Maine's most beautiful bridges, from historic covered bridges, to modern cable designs.

Gallery Credit: Arlen Jameson

Here's Why Mainers (and Those "From Away) Feel so Emotional From the Piscataqua River Bridge

Mainers and even those from away that used to live in Maine or are frequent visitors to Maine express exactly what the Piscataqua River Bridge means to them and how emotional it makes them feel.