Bennett-Bean Covered Bridge of Magalloway
by Claire Lynch
The Bennett-Bean Covered Bridge of Magalloway has been undergoing major repairs this summer, removed from its span over the Magalloway River by a Department of Transportation Project funded by the Federal Bridge Program.
The bridge, located in Magalloway Plantation near Wilson Mills, has a 93-foot span. It was built in 1901 and due to years of use and ill repair, it has been closed to public travel since 1985. "It has deteriorated quite a bit," said Project Manager Wayne Frankhauser of the Maine DOT. He explained that the bridge had to be completely removed from its span over the river in order for the repairs to be completed. Portions of the bridge will have to come apart in order to replace posts, center, tension and knee braces and collar ties.
A crane from Prock Marine Company of Portland, Maine, was brought in in late June to remove the bridge to nearby land, rolled off by wooden rollers, said Project Manager Ken Knaur of Prock Marine. It is expected, he said, that the work will be completed by November. Total cost for the project is $850,000 including engineering, construction and inspection costs. Prock Marine is teaming up on the project with Barns and Bridges of New England located in Gilford and owned by Tim Andrews. Mr. Andrews, however, has been unavailable for comment.
According to Mr. Frankhauser, the project, while federally funded is receiving support from the National Historic Covered Bridge Program, a program specifically for the preservation of covered bridges. While providing 70 percent of the needed funds for the project, the state of Maine as well put in 30 percent as matching funds.
While most state projects go with the lowest bidder, and this one was no different, he said, a special request was made of contractors to submit a qualifications package in order to find the two best contractors for the job. Bidders were chosen by how well they could coordinate and work together to complete the project on time and well as keep the bridge to its original structure, historically. The state DOT also coordinated a great deal with the Maine Historical Preservation Committee. "While in effect we are going to have a totally new bridge," Mr. Frankhauser said. "We're trying to keep as much of the original structure and history that we possibly can."
