Perkins Bridge in Belfast Goes High Tech
Please Contact: Roberta Laverty, AEWC, (207) 581-2110
Mylan Bannon, AIT, (207) 735-7399
BELFAST – The Perkins Bridge in Belfast is going high tech.
The 28’ bridge has been carrying motorists across the Little River since 1921. But, wear and tear on the deteriorating bridge has forced the state to consider a more durable option to carry motorists through the next century.
“The Perkins Bridge will be the largest we’ve constructed in Maine using composite technology developed by researchers at the University of Maine,” says Brit Svoboda, CEO of Advanced Infrastructure Technologies (AIT), the company responsible for replacing the bridge.
“The new 48’ bridge will be constructed with concrete-filled, carbon fiber tubes – a high tech alternative to traditional steel or concrete arches.”
The carbon fiber tubes will be delivered to the site beginning Wednesday morning, with installation expected to continue through Thursday.
The replacement bridge will make crossing the Little River on Herrick Road, that much more enjoyable for years in the future. According to engineers with AIT, the replacement bridge arches are steel free and are expected to last beyond 100 years, which is significantly longer than the life expectancy of the typical steel or concrete bridge.
“Thanks to modern technology which prevents rusting, spalling and cracking, we believe the new bridge will save tax payer monies by virtually eliminating the need for bridge maintenance,” adds Svoboda, who lives near the bridge in the town of Belfast, Maine.
This new composite technology, licensed by Advanced Infrastructure Technologies, was already used to construct the Neal Bridge in Pittsfield and the McGee Bridge in Anson. Construction is underway this year on three others.
“We are pleased that University research and development continues to create jobs in Maine. AIT is a privately funded firm that is commercializing a University of Maine invention. The benefits to Maine are private sector jobs, and the construction of bridges that are faster to build and last longer,” says Advanced Structures and Composites Center Director Habib Dagher.
To learn more about this technology, please visit AITbridges.com or contact the University of Maine AEWC Advanced Structures and Composites Center where the technology was developed (www.aewc.umaine.edu) .
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High resolution images available.
To arrange an interview with Brit Svoboda or an engineer, please contact Mylan Bannon at 207-735-7399 or by email at meb@aitbridges.com.