Grand Opening of the Bay of Naples Bridge in Naples, Maine

The Bay of Naples Bridge between Long Lake and Brandy Pond in Naples, Maine, is being viewed as the dawning of a new generation. The 80-foot long by 52-foot wide arch-style fixed bridge replaces the 1954 swinging bridge. Those familiar with the swinging bridge built to take cars across the Chute River (the area’s shortest river), will recall sitting in line to wait as it opened  on a regular schedule during summer months to allow boat traffic to pass through. One of my favorite memories of the old bridge is of the passengers standing on the top deck of the Songo River Queen II waving from street level as the Mississippi River-style paddleboat passed by on its way to the Songo lock.

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But . . . the swing bridge was in need of major repairs, and it was determined several years ago that it would be better to build a fixed bridge. After months and months of construction, the new bridge is open for traffic.

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Under the beautifully designed arch will be a 30-foot wide navigation channel. During the summer, there will be 12 feet, 8 inches of space for boats to pass through. “Ninety-five percent of the boats will be able to come and go when they choose rather than waiting for the bridge to open,” says Naples Town Manager Derik Goodine. “Five percent of the boats won’t make it under the bridge, including the Songo River Queen. That is unfortunate, but I am hopeful that many people will find other things to do while they wait for the next River Queen trip.” The Songo River Queen II will continue to offer seasonal daily trips on Long Lake.
Mr Goodine says that the bridge is just a minor part of the overall project. Though the new bridge is open for traffic, there is still much to complete to “change Naples from a gray 1950’s asphalt car-dependent tourist area . . . into a digital age of technicolor.” Rather than being only car-friendly, the plan is to create a pedestrian-friendly green space that people will want to spend time at. This will  happen in the form of shade trees and other plantings, benches, an ampitheater for public performances, an interactive fountain to cool off in, art, sculptures and Wi-Fi. A fifteen-foot wide boardwalk will span the Long Lake side of the causeway and lead to the water level on a bridge walk path.
All of these changes will revitalize the area. As Mr. Goodine says, “People will not avoid Naples on their trips [in order] to avoid the bridge openings, but will now choose this route and will be amazed at the changes made . . . We are hopeful that new business will spurn from this new show piece.”
Hats off to Naples and the rebirth of the Causeway.
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Videos of the new bridge:
New Bridge to Open in Naples
A Drive Over the New Bay of Naples Bridge
Other blogs about these bodies of water in Naples, Maine:
Brandy Pond in Naples, Maine, Offers Lakefront Buyers a Piece of Prime Real Estate
Picturesque Naples, Maine is set between Brandy Pond and Long Lake