Route 136 Repair in Auburn Maine: River Road Repairs Are Underway!

October 25, 2010

We just received this update from Deb Simpson, our state legislator about the repairs to route 136 (River Road) in Auburn. As many of you know, a large section of the road gave way (crane and all) while a crane was being used to finish repairs from last year's damage. Fortunately the crane operator was unharmed, but the city has been grappling with the best way to fix the road while residents have been enduring detours with no idea of when/if it could be repaired.

Wonder no more! The always clever and industrious Mainers have figured out how to make the needed repairs and prevent future problems. Here is Deb's update:

"Construction is set to begin today on the repairs to the damaged section of Route 136 in Auburn, and the plan is to re-open Route 136 to thru-traffic by December 23rd.
　
Shaw Brothers of Gorham was awarded the $1.03 million contract on Thursday, October 21 to realign and reconstruct the damaged ½ mile section of Route 136. They will also stabilize the collapsed section of the Androscoggin riverbank. Construction plans call for Shaw Brothers to begin excavation on the new road alignment today (October 25).　
　
The new alignment of Route 136 is approximately 200' from the river. Maine DOT worked with abutting property owners to purchase the property necessary to move this section of the road to its new route.
　
Along with the road work, crews will reconstruct and stabilize the collapsed riverbank. Plans are to excavate the riverbank to a gentler 4:1 slope ratio, and then stabilize the banking with a berm at the base and larger rock on the slope.
　
The road is expected to be paved and re-opened by December 23rd. Final completion of the construction project which includes landscaping and re-seeding of the area alongside Route 136 is expected to be completed in 2011."