Howland Bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Howland, Maine - The new Piscataquis - Howland Bridge will open to traffic following a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 21st.

This 9 a.m. ceremony will feature remarks from Howland's Board of Selectmen Chairman Glenn Brawn, MaineDOT's Bridge Program Manager David Sherlock and Cianbro Corporation's President and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Vigue.

The new steel girder bridge is approximately 580 feet long and has three spans and a nine-foot sidewalk with lighting to accommodate pedestrians and snowmobiles. MaineDOT awarded the $10.8 million dollar project in 2010 to the design-build team of Cianbro and Louis Berger. It is being completed a month ahead of schedule. The project also includes intersection improvements on both sides of the bridge and a roundabout on the southerly approach which was requested by the town.

Following the ribbon cutting, there will be a small parade featuring Howland's oldest residents in a 1930's Model A Ford, and Howland's youngest citizen in a brand new vehicle. Local veterans will walk across the new bridge, while the Penobscot Valley High School band plays patriotic pieces. In addition, Howland's fire and ambulance personnel will drive their emergency vehicles with lights flashing! Residents are encouraged to walk the bridge before it opens to traffic in the afternoon.