The Happiest Bridges in Maine?

By John Andrews

[Note: This article appeared in the Late Fall 2013 Newsletter. The full newsletter can be viewed in this pdf document]

On September 28, 2011, Maine Turnpike Authority dedicated its Eastern Trail bridge, which it had built to close the most challenging gap in the Eastern Trail, a bridge that would allow the ET to connect the southern York County towns of Kennebunk, Wells, North Berwick, South Berwick Eliot and Kittery with the northern towns of Arundel, Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough and South Portland.

It’s also the happiest ET bridge, one of smiles and blasts— as you can see in these photos of two Kennebunk boys as they welcome truckers who often cause ecstatic joy with their friendly horn blasts. Thousands of drivers pass daily under the Turnpike’s ET bridge, noting not only the trail’s progress but also the salute provided by energized ET users. Bring your children or grandchildren there to welcome Maine’s truckers, and don’t be surprised if they send a blast your way.

Enjoy your visit by continuing to other ET bridges that offer their own distinctive delights, like the Kennebunk River Bridge whose wood-surrounded span over the silent stream fosters peace, contemplation, solitude. Or further on, at Scarborough Marsh, the Dunstan River Bridge trades Route 1’s noise and fumes for invigorating wildlife viewing: seals, eagles, snowy egrets, mallards and mackerel. Whatever your tastes or needs, the Eastern Trail has a bridge for you.

The saddest bridges? The ones not yet built.

[Editor’s note: The modest author neglected to mention his namesake bridge over Rt. 1]

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