Madawaska-Edmundston Bridge Weight Limit to be Lowered

The International Bridge linking Madawaska, Maine and Edmundston, New Brunswick will have an immediate down-posting (weight limit) to five tons beginning Friday, October 27th.

Maine.gov

During a recent inspection of the bridge, inspectors found significantly more steel deterioration on the floor beams and stringers than expected, according the Maine DOT. As a result, engineers have determined the need for the five ton posting.

The new weight limit ensures that the bridge remains safe for passenger vehicles but restricts all commercial vehicles over five tons, including tractor trailers, box trucks, buses and fire trucks.

Officials say the bridge will require temporary strengthening to address critical repairs. MaineDOT and New Brunswick Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (NB DTI) are currently working on a plan to complete these temporary repairs as soon as possible.

Once the temporary strengthening is complete, the bridge will be evaluated to determine if the structure can provide better functionality. However, weight restrictions of some magnitude will remain in effect until a replacement bridge is complete, officials say.

Since January, MaineDOT and NB DTI have been working collaboratively with U.S. and Canadian Border Agencies on developing a long-term solution to replace or rehabilitate the 96-year-old bridge.