BANGOR, ME – April 2025 – The Associated General Contractors of Maine (AGC Maine) is proud to name Reed & Reed, Inc.’s Madawaska International Bridge Project as the Bridge Division Award Winner for the 2025 Build Maine Awards.

The Madawaska International Bridge Project illustrates how anything is possible with thoughtful collaboration. While many major bridge projects can take as many as ten years or even more, Reed & Reed delivered the Madawaska International Bridge in just four years. This vital piece of infrastructure strengthens the economic and cultural ties between Madawaska, Maine, and Edmundston, New Brunswick. The project replaced an aging bridge that could no longer support commercial traffic with a new structure that not only facilitates trade, tourism, and transportation, but also plays a crucial role in regional growth and international cooperation. By serving as a critical link for both local and cross-border commerce, the bridge significantly impacts Maine’s economy – particularly the industries of agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism – while also fostering a deeper connection between the U.S. and Canada.

To meet the needs of the project, Reed & Reed, worked in close partnership with a dedicated group of subcontractors and suppliers, demonstrating exceptional problem- solving. The project’s success was also a result of innovative construction methods, such as the optimized trestle system and advanced steel erection techniques. These methods allowed the team to navigate the complex logistics of international material deliveries, environmental considerations, and challenging site conditions. Extensive coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, U.S. and Canadian Customs, and environmental authorities was required to ensure that all aspects of the project were completed safely, on time, and in compliance with regulatory standards.

The Madawaska International Bridge project is not just an engineering success; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. It will stand as a lasting symbol of Maine’s commitment to building critical infrastructure that connects people, economies, and cultures across borders.

 

CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENT

Reed & Reed and their partners recognized the importance of engaging local stakeholders throughout the project, particularly the next generation of construction professionals. By offering educational outreach, including site tours and presentations for local schools and vocational training institutions, the project exposed students to the

practical aspects of large-scale infrastructure work. These hands-on experiences provide invaluable insights into careers in construction, such as crane operation, skilled trades, engineering, and project management. By connecting young people with real- world construction challenges, Reed & Reed is working to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the construction industry in Maine and beyond.

With presentations for the local Chamber of Commerce, The Maine Construction Academy, and vocational school students, Reed & Reed’s community outreach emphasized the Madawaska International Bridge Project’s lasting impact, not just as an infrastructure asset, but as a catalyst for future employment and skill development in the construction industry.

During construction, careful attention was given to minimize environmental im- pact along the steep banks of the St. John River. The design of the temporary access roads and access trestle were focused on limiting disturbance to the landscape and protecting native wildlife habitats. The construction team also took meticulous care to contain contaminants during the installation of drilled shafts, installation of the cofferdams, placement of the seal concrete, removal of the existing bridge, and embankment work. Stringent protocols and containment systems were implemented to manage runoff and prevent pollutants from affecting the surrounding environment, contributing to the project’s environmental responsibility throughout.

 

INNOVATION

The Madawaska International Bridge project utilized several innovative techniques to address the challenges of its unique site conditions. One key innovation was the optimized trestle system, which provided stable access for material delivery and safe access to the worksite. The trestle’s pile support connection allowed it to be efficiently removed and reinstalled multiple times over the course of the four-year project, minimizing disruption while maintaining flexibility for different stages of construction. This reusability helped ensure that the project stayed on schedule with limited environmental impacts.

For the steel erection process, the project team developed a two-crane pick system to handle the massive steel girders, which required precise coordination and careful timing to lift and place girder pairs that weighed up to 400,000 lbs. Additionally, the cranes worked together in a load transfer process to safely move the heavy loads, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of strain during installation.

 

CHALLENGES

The project posed numerous challenges, including harsh cold weather, ice conditions in the St. John River, COVID-19, and the need for coordination across international borders. The project was built in the harsh, remote, and cold weather conditions of northern Maine, and also required navigating the St. John River’s ice backups. Beyond environmental challenges, coordinating with stakeholders across two countries – MaineDOT, NBDTI, U.S. and Canadian Customs, GSA – and managing material suppliers across the eastern U.S. added complexity to logistics and delivery timing.

The steel erection process was particularly challenging due to the long spans and heavy steel girders. Two crane lifts were required to handle the massive pick weights, demanding precise coordination to safely and accurately position the steel in a limited- access environment. The sequencing of deck placement posed significant challenges due to its non-linear nature. The 13 deck placement sections required the Reed & Reed team to carefully plan the execution of form work, rebar installation, and concrete placement to maximize a brief window of favorable weather, ensuring the project stayed on schedule. Despite these obstacles, Reed & Reed and their partners swiftly adapted. Through proactive problem-solving and coordination, the team successfully met the project’s ambitious timeline and logistical demands, delivering the bridge safely and on time.

With a focus on clear communication, flexibility, and problem-solving, Reed & Reed was able to stay on track and meet the project’s critical deadlines. To manage schedule delays caused by issues related to the GSA’s Land Port of Entry (LPOE), Reed & Reed worked closely with stakeholders, local organizations, and regulatory bodies. By working collaboratively, Reed & Reed was able to overcome challenges, meet expectations, and ultimately deliver a high-quality infrastructure project that serves the needs of both the local community and the broader international region.

 

SAFETY

Reed & Reed’s approach to safety, including a rigorous safety plan, ensured a safe and secure work environment. With 146,419 hours worked by Reed & Reed employees and 76,266 hours by subcontractors, there were a total of 222,685 hours worked by the end of 2024. While there were two recordable incidents, Reed & Reed maintained an incident rate of 1.79, demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety. Special attention was paid to high-elevation construction, working over water, icy conditions, and railroad safety. Notably, the site earned SHARP status from SafetyWorks, making it the only construction site in Maine to receive this prestigious recognition.

 

Project Title: Madawaska International Bridge Project

Owners: MaineDOT & New Brunswick Department of Transportation & Infrastructure

Construction Manager: Reed & Reed

  • Project Manager: Jake Hall
  • Project Superintendent: Greg Letourneau
  • Assistant Project Manager: Dom Cyr
  • Project Engineers: Jared Hanson and Kate Fitzpatrick

Key Subcontractors:

  • Greenfield Construction
  • MQM Quality Manufacturing Ltd.
  • Calderwood Engineering
  • Ed Pelletier & Sons
  • Demolition Plus
  • Malcolm Drilling
  • Gervais Fence

Critical Suppliers:

  • Casco Bay Steel
  • ARC
  • Beton Provincial
  • Dimension Fabricators
  • Contractors Materials Co.

 

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About AGC Maine

Chartered in 1951, AGC Maine is headquartered in Augusta and has members statewide that include contractors, subcontractors, service providers, suppliers, and developers. The Mission of AGC Maine is to advance and support Maine’s construction industry by promoting the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety, and sustainability, while empowering our members through advocacy, education, and collaborative partnerships.