The excitement was palpable as the pre-assembled steel bridge that will connect the mill districts in Biddeford and Saco for pedestrians was lowered into place late last month.
It was the culmination of many months of work and many conversations between the stakeholders, and soon, it will be open for all to use and enjoy.
While the bridge itself was put in place, additional work must be completed before the public can use the walkway. That work is expected to be done by mid-November.
The pedestrian bridge is just one of many steps being taken to improve and increase traffic in the downtowns of both cities.
Currently, the Pepperell Mill Campus in Biddeford is booming, with dozens of businesses ”“ offices, studios, an art college and more ”“ as well as market-rate and luxury apartments. Saco Island is home to Saco Island Terrace Condominiums, Run of the Mill restaurant and brewery, the train station, as well as offices and other business. Plans were also recently announced to create market-rate apartments in “Building No. 4” on Saco Island, which is located next the mill that houses the condos.
All of these changes, in addition to the existing uses, are enhancing the area, making it a mecca for artists, young professionals, families and those looking for an up-and-coming place to live and work. It’s great to see the twin cities collaborating on the pedestrian bridge, and hopefully it’s just a sign of more to come.
Residents who spoke to a Journal Tribune reporter while the bridge was being lowered into place earlier this fall certainly seemed in agreement.
“It’s exciting,” said Donna Hinds, a resident of the Saco Island Terrace Condominiums. “I think it’s going to be great for the area. I think it’s going to create more flow” between the two cities.
Lani Campbell agreed, saying she was looking forward to being able to use the bridge to cross the Saco River, making the trip to Biddeford’s mill district more convenient.
“I’m hoping to take classes at Heartwood College of Arts,” located in Biddeford’s Pepperell Mill Campus, she said.
The best part of the project is that the Maine Department of Transportation paid for the majority of the project. MDOT put up 80 percent of the $595,000 price tag, while Biddeford and Saco each pitched in 10 percent.
It’s great to see this addition to the twin cities, and we hope residents and visitors will take advantage of the new bridge, as well as do some exploring in the areas via the cities’ riverwalks as well as beyond the mill districts and into the cities’ downtowns.
— Robyn Burnham Rousseau is the city editor in the Journal Tribune newsroom.
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