The New Maine Bridge Between Brunswick and Topsham Is Officially Open

Drivers, walkers, and cyclists can officially cross the Androscoggin River on a brand-new span. MaineDOT announced Friday that the new Frank J. Wood Bridge connecting Brunswick and Topsham is now open to traffic, marking the start of a new era for one of the region’s most important crossings.

The original Wood Bridge first opened in 1932, carrying U.S. Route 201 between the two towns for nearly a century. Over time, increasing traffic and the natural aging of the structure made replacement the safest and most reliable option. MaineDOT worked closely with local communities to design a bridge built not just for today’s needs, but for generations to come.

The new bridge sits on a curved, upstream alignment and offers significant upgrades. Wider shoulders on both sides improve safety, while sidewalks now run the length of the bridge, giving pedestrians and cyclists dedicated space. Pedestrian viewing bump-outs allow people to pause and take in sweeping views of Pejepscot Falls and the river below. Parks planned at both ends of the bridge are expected to turn the crossing into a destination, not just a drive-through.

According to MaineDOT, the project balances modern standards for safety, accessibility, and durability with design features that highlight the natural beauty of the area and preserve unobstructed views of the falls.

The old bridge was reduced to southbound-only traffic in September, with northbound drivers detoured via the Topsham Bypass and Route 196. While the new bridge briefly opened in late November, it closed again to allow for final grading and paving before this week’s full reopening.

Construction began in January 2024. Some finishing work remains, and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for 2026—celebrating what MaineDOT calls “the next century of connections” across the Androscoggin River.