Fwd: Tukey's Bridge Closure
Kate Sykes
389 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101
From: Greg Jordan <gjo...@portlandmaine.gov>
Date: Wed, Oct 1, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Subject: Tukey's Bridge Closure
To:
Cc: Danielle West <dw...@portlandmaine.gov>, Dena Libner <dli...@portlandmaine.gov>, Michael Goldman <m...@portlandmaine.gov>
Good evening Mayor and Councilors:
In response to the ongoing inquiries from residents, I’m writing to provide information on Unitil’s planned closure of the multi-use path across Tukey’s Bridge from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 17.
The closure stems from a Unitil project to conduct gas pipeline maintenance (See image 1) and is related to Roux Institute campus construction. Tukey’s Bridge is in the state’s right of way and the work is being done in coordination with the Maine Department of Transportation which has jurisdiction over the bridge. The City does not have authority over this right of way nor does it have any authority over the project.
Unitil and MaineDOT determined the 12 day closure was necessary to ensure both worker and public safety. As City staff understand it, the reasons justifying the closure include the facts that this involves gas line maintenance, the excavation is deep, and is in a very tight part of the trail.
Portland’s Park and Recreation staff have been engaged with Unitil to try and help them address and minimize disruptions to the Back Cove Trail and connectivity across the bridge.
According to Unitil’s website, signage is to be posted at trail entrances, and two large electronic message boards are to be placed at the main Back Cove Trail parking areas to alert trail users of the closure. City staff confirmed these signs were placed on September 22 and will remain in place through October 17 (See Image 2 for locations). Additionally, the Portland Press Herald released an article on this on September 24. City staff will amplify communications on this closure to help reach as many residents and trail users as possible.
The rest of the Back Cove Trail remains open. While not ideal, it is possible for bikers and walkers to go around the trail in the other direction and still reach their destination, even with the Tukey's bridge section of the trail closed.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Greg
Notice: Under Maine law, documents - including e-mails - in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in an e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.
James Cradock
On Oct 2, 2025, at 6:54 AM, 'Kate Sykes' via Portland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee <PB...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
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<Image 1_Tukey's Bridge Closure.jpg><Image 2_Tukey's Bridge Closure.pdf>
Gordon Platt
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