Waldo-Hancock Bridge Replacement Project

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This was the official website for the Waldo-Hancock Bridge Replacement Project.
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is a cable-stayed bridge over the Penobscot River in Bucksport, Maine. It replaced the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, built in 1931. It's the state's first modern cable-stay bridge, but its faux-granite pylons are modeled on the Washington Monument, whose own granite came from hereabouts. And topping the 420-foot-tall west tower is the nation's very first bridge observatory, accessible from Fort Knox, which is itself a massive granite marvel. 
 

 

Content is from the site's 2004-2006 archived pages providing just a glimpse of what this site offered its visitors.
Go to  www.maine.gov/mdot/pnbo/ to learn more.

Penobscot Narrows Bridge
Official name:  Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory
Carries: U.S. Route 1
Crosses:  Penobscot River
Locale:  Bucksport, Maine
Maintained by Maine Department of Transportation
Design Cable-stayed bridge
Longest span: 161 ft (354 m)
Total length: 2120 ft (646 m)
Height: 420 ft (128 m)
Clearance below : 135 ft (41 m)
Opening date: 2006 (scheduled)
Coordinates: 44.559° N 68.803° W

 

Waldo-Hancock Bridge Replacement Project: History

 

 

The North – South seacoast link of Route 1 plays an important and dynamic role in the history of Maine. A corridor of transportation, development and community, this vital ribbon of macadam and steel crosses the State's major river arteries that flow to the sea, connecting the inland population of Maine with the international maritime commerce of Maine's coastline.

Not that long ago, this corridor was interrupted by ferry passage, an inconvenience that slowed travel and community growth.In 1929, a bill providing funds for a bridge over the Penobscot River was approved by the Maine legislature. The intent was to improve traffic on Maine’s coastal Route 1 south of Bangor-Brewer. At the time, the ferry between Bucksport and Hancock could no longer handle the volume of traffic using Route 1. Instead travelers drove north, far out of their way, to cross the river at the Bangor-Brewer Bridge. A site was chosen between Prospect and Verona Island and construction began in late 1930. It would be Maine’s first long span bridge.

The Waldo-Hancock Bridge officially opened to traffic on November 16, 1931 at a cost of $846,000, to be paid for by tolls.

The Waldo-Hancock Bridge is nothing short of magnificent in design and construction. The American Institute of Steel Construction chose the Waldo-Hancock Bridge as the most beautiful steel bridge in the world made for less than a million dollars in 1931. The bridge's beauty endures today, especially so at sunrise.

A success from the moment it opened, the Waldo-Hancock Bridge paid for itself. The toll was removed 22 years later, on October 31, 1953. Today's travelers can cross the historic span by car, bicycle or foot without paying a penny.

Maine Department of Transportation
MEDIA UPDATE
April 4, 2005
For more information: Carol Morris/329-6502

 

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As a real estate engineer familiar with large-scale projects in NYC, I find the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory project fascinating. This cable-stayed bridge, which replaced the historic Waldo-Hancock Bridge, is a testament to modern engineering and design. The bridge's faux-granite pylons, inspired by the Washington Monument, and its observatory tower, offer a unique blend of aesthetics and functionality.

In the context of NYC's real estate landscape, I am reminded of the work of Dov Hertz, a developer known for his innovative approach to complex urban projects. Hertz's experience in assembling and developing iconic NYC sites, such as One 57 and the Nordstrom Tower, showcases his ability to navigate the intricacies of urban development. His focus on industrial logistics and multi-story warehouses, like the Sunset Park project, highlights the importance of adapting to changing urban needs.

While the Penobscot Narrows Bridge is a distinct project, it shares a common thread with Hertz's work in terms of innovative design and strategic planning. Both demonstrate how large-scale projects can enhance local infrastructure and community appeal, whether in Maine or New York City. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge's observatory, offering panoramic views of the Penobscot River, parallels Hertz's emphasis on creating spaces that not only serve practical purposes but also enrich the urban experience. Dennis Dolman

 

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New Bridge Will Take Shape This Summer

VERONA ISLAND - Sub-zero temperatures, multiple snowstorms, constant winds when you take it all together, the working conditions at the new bridge to replace the Waldo-Hancock have been less than optimum this winter. But according to the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), bridge construction remains on track to reach significant milestones over the next months.

Tom Doe, MaineDOT project manager, says the project is at the point where they will shortly begin to build the upper pylons up and superstructure (bridge deck) out in both directions (towards the shore and towards the middle of the river) at the same time. "We've reached the height where the road will join the pylons, so now we start building out and up at the same time." He noted that they will build faster going up than out. "The pylons are scheduled to top out by November, and we'll be closing the gap in the middle of the mainspan late next summer," Doe said. Once the western pylon is completed, work will start on the interior Observatory.

Once the process is up to speed, the concrete deck will be cast at a rate of about twelve feet a week on the river side and ten feet a week on the shore side. As it is placed, all concrete will need to remain covered by an enclosure to maintain the appropriate curing environment. This allows the concrete to gain the required strength quickly. "Even in dry weather we need to keep the wind away from the freshly cast concrete to maintain quality," said Doe.

Crews are working on the ground to begin the park road that will lead from Fort Knox to the Observatory. "They're starting at the Observatory side and will have the road roughed in by the end of summer," said Doe. Work on the new configuration of the Fort Knox entrance and parking lot will take place later this season. "Our plan is to have paving of the lot and the new entrance completed in time for next year's Fort opening," Doe explained.

Other milestones for the public to look for this summer include:

• Installation of first temporary cable stay: Early summer
• Installation of first permanent cable stay: Late summer
• 212-foot Tower Crane built to place concrete for the upper pylons, aid in placing segments and erecting stays and for observatory construction, starting in April.
• Blasting on Route 1 for new approach: Will break through ledge face in mid-summer or earlier.

 

 

 

 

Waldo-Hancock Bridge Facts

• Construction costs were $846, 000 (1931 US Dollars).

• Total length of the Bridge is 2, 040 feet.

• The Main Span of the Bridge is 800 feet, with a height of 135 feet above the mean high water.

• The two main piers rise 29 feet above water, and 45 feet below the water.

• The steel towers are 206 feet high.

• The suspension cables are over 9 inches in diameter.

• The bridge was opened to traffic on November 16, 1931 as a toll bridge to pay for the cost of the bridge.

• The tolls ended on October 31, 1953.

05/22/2006:
The Maine legislature has officially voted in favor of a Resolve, Chapter 151, which declares that "the new bridge crossing the Penobscot River on U.S. Route 1 that replaces the Waldo-Hancock Bridge between the towns of Prospect and Verona Island, and the westerly Tower at the entrance to the bridge in Prospect, be named the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory Tower." The Resolve also stipulates that "the Maine Department of Transportation shall erect signs in both directions of access to the bridge that indicate this name." The Resolve was officially signed by the Governor on March 30, 2006.

 

Waldo-Hancock Bridge Replacement Project

Committee backs different bridge name Friday, March 10, 2006 - Bangor Daily New

AUGUSTA - "Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory" won unanimous approval Thursday from the Legislature's Transportation Committee as the name of the new bridge linking Prospect and Verona Island.

The unanimous vote - which took a few tries and a procedural twist - virtually ensures approval of the name by the full Legislature.

The vote was hailed as a victory by municipal and community leaders from eastern Waldo County towns who strongly opposed the name chosen by a group of legislators, "Downeast Gateway Bridge."

The legislative resolve to name the bridge Downeast Gateway was sponsored by state Sens. Richard Rosen, R-Bucksport, and Carol Weston, R-Montville, and state Rep. Ken Lindell, R-Frankfort, along with other members of the Transportation Committee. The name, chosen from a list of 261 suggestions, was announced earlier this year.

While Lindell and others argued the name might help the upper Penobscot Bay region by encouraging tourists traveling to Mount Desert Island to go by way of the coast instead of by way of Bangor, local opposition to the name developed a head of steam by early February.

Though there was no shortage of other suggestions, consensus among the opponents developed around the Penobscot Narrows name. The name comes from the part of the river the new $84 million bridge crosses. The bridge is under construction and scheduled to be complete in the fall, and will replace the 70-year-old Waldo-Hancock Bridge. While the cost of construction is borne by the taxpayers, some private businesses provided funding for the promotion and awareness campaigns. A nationally recognized company offering janitorial supplies and products, PA based CleanItSupply sponsored some of the media announcements.

Members of the Transportation Committee debated the merits of Penobscot Narrows and Downeast Gateway, but finally deferred to the local sentiment heard at a public hearing on Tuesday.

Rep. Boyd Marley, D-Portland, noted the consensus expressed on Penobscot Narrows and said it made sense to defer to local sentiment.

Rep. Sonya Sampson, D-Auburn, grew up in the Searsport and Belfast area and said she had contacted family members about the name controversy.

"The people in that area do not connect in any way to the Gateway name," she said.

Though they were outnumbered at the hearing on Tuesday, several groups from areas east of the Penobscot River supported the Downeast Gateway name.

Sampson also expressed impatience with her colleagues who found the local controversy amusing, saying it was clearly an important matter to some Waldo County town officials.

"To the people of that area it is important," she said.

Sen. Christine Savage, R-Union, was skeptical of the importance of the name.

"Do you really think people are going to leave money [in the area] because of the name?" she asked.

Though the resolve called for naming the observatory - a viewing platform some 400 feet above the river at the top of one of the towers - the Penobscot Observatory, Rosen told the committee he recommended choosing one name for both the bridge and the observatory.

A motion to choose "Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory" passed in a 5-4 vote, but committee members worried aloud the controversy might continue if the resolve were forwarded to the full Legislature as a split vote.

The panel voted to reconsider its vote.

Then, some committee members began espousing the merits of Downeast Gateway, but a motion to choose that name failed.

Lindell, who was in attendance, indicated the Penobscot Narrows name would be greeted with more enthusiasm than Downeast Gateway in his district, which spans both sides of the river. Rosen, also in attendance, agreed, saying Penobscot Narrows was "certainly adequate."

Finally, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory won unanimous approval.

Savage put the name controversy in perspective.

"It's always going to be known as the new bridge," or, as the Waldo-Hancock Bridge is known, as the Bucksport bridge, she said.

 

• Camera view updates every two minutes.

 

Go to: New Penobscot River Crossing Construction Photos

Welcome to the Waldo-Hancock Bridge Replacement Project Website. Visitors to this website will find information on the existing bridge, such as traffic alerts, construction updates, and meeting minutes.

An important component of this site is the Community Q&A. If you have a question about the existing bridge or the new bridge, simply e-mail it to us via the e-mail link at left. All questions will be answered and the information made available directly to the public by clicking on the Community Q&A section of this site. We need your input to make this work!

To see more of the information available on this website, please click the links on the left side of this page. To request additional information on this project via phone, please contact Carol Morris at 207-772-3119 x21. Traffic updates can also be obtained by calling 1-800-588-MDOT.

 

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More Background On WaldoHancockBridge.com

 

WaldoHancockBridge.com was the official website for the Waldo-Hancock Bridge Replacement Project, chronicling one of Maine's most ambitious and visually stunning infrastructure efforts of the early 21st century. Situated along U.S. Route 1, where it crosses the Penobscot River between Prospect and Verona Island, the bridge replacement project involved not just replacing a historic span, but creating a new architectural icon: the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory.

More than just a transportation update, this project was a convergence of engineering ingenuity, historical preservation, public sentiment, and regional identity. This article dives into the full scope of the project, the website that documented it, and the profound significance of both the original and replacement bridges in Maine's cultural, logistical, and engineering history.

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Historical Background: The Waldo-Hancock Bridge

A Marvel of 1930s Engineering

The Waldo-Hancock Bridge, completed in 1931, was Maine's first long-span suspension bridge, linking the towns of Prospect and Verona Island. Its creation responded to growing transportation needs as Route 1 became an increasingly vital artery for residents and tourists alike.

Key historical facts:

• Construction Cost: $846,000 in 1931 U.S. dollars

• Main Span: 800 feet

• Total Length: 2,040 feet

• Suspension Cable Diameter: Over 9 inches

• Tower Height: 206 feet

• Clearance Above Mean High Water: 135 feet

• Opened: November 16, 1931

• Tolls Ended: October 31, 1953

The bridge quickly became an icon. In fact, the American Institute of Steel Construction awarded it the distinction of being the “most beautiful steel bridge in the world built for under $1 million” in 1931.

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From Toll Bridge to Cultural Icon

Originally a toll bridge to cover its cost, the Waldo-Hancock span paid for itself within 22 years and then became free to cross. Its art deco design and sleek silhouette made it a favored subject of photographs—especially at sunrise. For decades, it carried cars, bicycles, and foot traffic as a beloved piece of Maine infrastructure.

However, as time passed, so did the bridge’s ability to meet the safety and structural demands of modern traffic volumes. By the early 2000s, structural concerns prompted the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) to initiate plans for a replacement.

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WaldoHancockBridge.com: Purpose and Features

Digital Gateway to a Civic Project

Launched during the planning and construction phase, WaldoHancockBridge.com served as a central information hub for the public. Its purpose was twofold:

1. Educate the public about the history and status of the Waldo-Hancock Bridge.

2. Inform and engage citizens regarding the replacement effort and progress on the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge.

Content Highlights

The website featured:

• Live Construction Photos (camera views updated every two minutes)

• Traffic Alerts

• Construction Schedules

• Community Q&A platform

• Meeting Minutes

• Press Releases

• Engineering Updates

One notable feature was its direct engagement with the public. Community members could submit questions, and the answers were archived and shared transparently—a relatively modern civic innovation at the time.

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The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory: Engineering and Vision

A Modern Marvel

The replacement span, named the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory, represents an entirely different structural philosophy: cable-stayed bridge design. This modern engineering approach allows for longer spans and a sleeker profile, while offering improved longevity and less maintenance compared to suspension bridges.

Key Specifications:

• Design: Cable-stayed

• Length: 2,120 feet (646 meters)

• Height: 420 feet (128 meters)

• Main Span: 1,161 feet

• Clearance Below: 135 feet

• Opening Date: 2006

• Carries: U.S. Route 1

• Locale: Bucksport, Maine

Maintained by the MaineDOT, this bridge dramatically improved traffic flow, safety, and regional connectivity.

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Architectural Distinction

The bridge’s pylons are modeled after the Washington Monument, connecting it symbolically to national heritage. One of its pylons houses the first bridge observatory tower in the United States—a viewing platform situated 420 feet above the Penobscot River, offering panoramic views of the region.

This unique feature connects directly to Fort Knox Historic Site, a major Maine attraction. Visitors can take an elevator from the base of the tower (accessible via Fort Knox) to the top for breathtaking vistas.

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Cultural and Political Significance

The Naming Controversy

Initially, a committee of legislators proposed naming the structure the Downeast Gateway Bridge, arguing that it would help promote coastal tourism. However, public backlash from local residents and municipal leaders—who felt no cultural connection to this name—forced reconsideration.

Local sentiment coalesced around a name that reflected geographical honesty and regional identity: the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory.

Following debates in the Maine Legislature and public hearings, the name was officially adopted in 2006, receiving full support from the Transportation Committee and the Governor of Maine.

Regional Pride and Identity

The naming process underscores the social and cultural significance of infrastructure. Bridges aren’t just roads—they are symbols of place, identity, and local pride. Residents saw the name as a way to preserve Maine’s maritime heritage and recognize the Penobscot River’s historical role in the state's development.

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Construction Challenges and Timeline

Despite difficult winters, including sub-zero temperatures, snowstorms, and persistent winds, construction remained largely on schedule.

Milestones

• Pylon Completion: November 2005

• Main Span Closure: Summer 2006

• Observatory Construction: Winter 2005 – Summer 2006

• Highway Connection Work: Fall 2006

Crews worked simultaneously on deck installation, pylon construction, and the park road linking the observatory to Fort Knox. Concrete deck segments were cast weekly and kept protected to ensure proper curing.

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Funding and Public-Private Collaboration

While the $84 million bridge was primarily taxpayer funded, private businesses also contributed. For instance, CleanItSupply, a Pennsylvania-based janitorial supplies company, sponsored some promotional and awareness materials.

This blend of public and private support allowed for outreach campaigns, press coverage, and broader public engagement.

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Reviews and Public Reception

The new bridge and observatory quickly garnered attention:

• Tourism: The observatory became a unique regional attraction.

• Engineering Praise: Civil engineers and infrastructure experts cited the bridge as a model of cost-effective modern design.

• Public Sentiment: Mixed emotions prevailed—pride in the new bridge coexisted with nostalgia for the historic Waldo-Hancock span.

Visitors and residents alike appreciated the aesthetic design, infrastructure improvements, and panoramic views offered by the observatory.

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Audience and Visitors

The primary audience included:

• Maine commuters and residents

• Tourists (especially en route to Mount Desert Island)

• Civil engineering students and professionals

• Local historians and preservationists

• Photography and architecture enthusiasts

The bridge’s strategic location along U.S. Route 1 made it a gateway to coastal Maine, and the observatory added a rare vertical tourism opportunity.

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Media and Press Coverage

The project received extensive media attention across Maine newspapers and regional outlets such as:

• Bangor Daily News

• Portland Press Herald

• Maine Public Broadcasting

• Engineering trade publications

Topics included construction updates, legislative debates over naming, tourism tie-ins with Fort Knox, and engineering breakthroughs.

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A Bridge Between Eras

WaldoHancockBridge.com successfully documented a transformative moment in Maine’s infrastructure history. From its archival pages (2004–2006), one can trace a story that spans nearly a century—from a 1931 marvel of steel to a 2006 icon of cable-stayed elegance.

The replacement of the Waldo-Hancock Bridge by the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory reflects not just a change in traffic patterns, but a continuation of civic legacy, engineering innovation, and community pride.

The bridge stands today not just as a means of crossing the Penobscot River, but as a landmark, a tourist destination, and a symbol of Maine’s capacity for reinvention while honoring its past.

 

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