ORONO, Maine — Good news for drivers and local businesses: the Brandon M. Silk Memorial Bridge, which connects downtown Orono to Marsh Island, is back open to full traffic ahead of schedule.

The Orono Police Department confirmed the early reopening Tuesday morning, announcing that crews wrapped up work on the southbound side of the bridge weeks before the original August completion date.

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) had closed the southbound lane of the vital span to allow for essential maintenance and resurfacing work. During the closure, all southbound traffic was forced to take a lengthy 4.6-mile detour — adding as much as 45 minutes to some residents’ daily commutes.

Relief for Local Traffic

The unexpected early finish brings relief not only to drivers but also to area businesses that saw reduced foot traffic due to the detour. Many commuters and locals who rely on the bridge daily had voiced frustration over the longer routes, which often funneled vehicles down College Avenue or Bennoch Road, adding congestion in residential neighborhoods.

“The bridge is a critical link between our neighborhoods and downtown,” said Orono resident Kelly Pierce. “It’s such a relief to have it open ahead of schedule, especially during the busy summer months when people are out and about more.”

Boost for Local Businesses

Downtown Orono businesses are hopeful the bridge’s reopening will bring back customers who had avoided the extra drive time. Some small shops and restaurants reported slower lunch hours and reduced sales since the detour was put in place earlier this spring.

“We really rely on easy access to get folks from the university and Marsh Island over here,” said Jamie Wilson, who manages a café near the bridge. “Having it back open sooner than expected is huge for us.”

Next Steps and Future Upkeep

MaineDOT officials say the early completion was the result of good weather conditions, strong coordination between crews, and efficient scheduling.
The maintenance project extended the bridge’s lifespan and improved driving safety for thousands of daily users.

The bridge, named for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Brandon M. Silk, a Maine native who was killed while serving in Afghanistan, is a vital connector in the Orono community and the University of Maine area.

Residents are encouraged to stay alert for any final cleanup or minor finishing touches as crews wrap up remaining site work, though no additional closures are expected.

The Orono Police Department thanked drivers for their patience and reminded everyone to continue to travel safely as normal traffic resumes.

Originally reported by Christopher Burns in Bangor Daily News.