Funding is being sought to replace Woolwich’s dike bridge on George Wright Road.  On Monday evening, Eric Calderwood of Richmond-based Calderwood Engineering estimated replacing the bridge would cost $500,000.

The select board hired him last year to address the aging bridge and box culvert built in 1935. One problem is the culvert is too small to accommodate the tidal flow from the Sasanoa River.

“Upstream of the dike bridge are freshwater wetlands, while downstream it’s saltwater wetlands,” Calderwood said. This might help secure funding, he said. “It’s become a project of interest.”

Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) is pursuing grant monies from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. KELT hopes to begin restoring the upstream side to a saltwater estuary and breeding ground for migratory fish and birds. This vast area is on the west side of Route 1.

The select board signed off on a letter in support of KELT’s application. Selectman Allison Hepler offered to serve as a liaison with KELT.

Because the junction of George Wright Road and Route 1 occasionally floods, Calderwood said Maine Department of Transportation officials are considering raising this part of of the highway.

Calderwood suggested replacing the dike bridge with a longer span of 30 or 50 feet. The culvert under Route 1 is bigger than the one beneath the dike bridge restricting the upstream flow.

“It sounds kind of like we are in a bit of a holding pattern,” Selectman Jason Shaw commented.

Chairman David King Sr. asked Calderwood to come up with a timeline for the project. “We really need to know,” he said.

Calderwood said he’d get in touch with both KELT and MDOT and report back. The bridge’s next state inspection is next year.

Selectman Allen Greene thanked all the volunteers who helped make Woolwich Day a great success. “The addition of the tent where people could sit and eat worked out very well,” he added.

Nomination papers are available for the November general election for a three-year term on the select board and a three-year term as road commissioner. The deadline for returning papers is Sept. 18.