Sen. Susan Collins announced the Maine Department of Transportation has been awarded a $10.525 million federal TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant to help fund the replacement of the Beals Island Bridge in Jonesport.

“I am delighted to announce that the state of Maine will receive a $10,525,000 investment to help replace the structurally deficient Beals Island Bridge in Jonesport through the TIGER grant program,” said Collins. “This important funding will allow the Maine Department of Transportation to move forward in replacing the bridge, improving public safety, increasing connectivity between the island and the mainland, and helping to create jobs in rural Maine.”

This $19.4 million bridge replacement project will be able to start construction in February of 2017. The construction schedule will span two seasons, with possible final landscaping in the spring of 2019.

“The replacement of the Beals Island Bridge is an important step as we continue to maintain a solid, well-built infrastructure throughout our state,” said David Bernhardt, MaineDOT commissioner. “Our many thanks to Senator Susan Collins for, once again, helping to deliver critical funding that allows for economic opportunity and helping to ensure safe travel for residents, tourists and business alike.”

With this latest TIGER grant, Maine has received more than $122 million for crucial highway, bridge, port and rail projects since 2009.

The existing Beals Island Bridge was built in 1958. The new bridge will be built parallel to the existing bridge on the east side. Two-way traffic will be maintained during construction and the navigational channel will be maintained.