Depending on whom you ask, the time between September 28 and November 2 is going to be misery for Islesboro islanders, or lots of ferry-less fun as the bridge structures and ramps are replaced at both the island and Lincolnville Beach terminals. The Margaret Chase Smith, which holds up to 30 cars, will have to stop running due to the ramp work after September 27.
Cianbro, the contractor, promptly began the preparatory work on both sides that will continue through the summer. The bridge structures and ramps will be fabricated in Portland and delivered by barge to the work sites in Penobscot Bay for installation this fall.
Meanwhile, the Maine State Ferry Service and Islesboro are negotiating the level of service that will replace the Margaret Chase Smith in October. So far there are firm plans only for essential services transport-food, fuel, propane, and waste disposal vehicles.
The Island Transporter will carry vehicles between Islesboro’s town beach on Pendleton Point and the Rockland terminal on a tide sensitive, twice weekly schedule. This transportation is reserved for essential services only.
To accommodate the Island Transporter, the town will remove some stumps and fix the approach to the beach. Landing mats will be laid down. The ferry service has necessary permits from Maine Department of Environmental Protection for the work.
Passenger service is still up in the air. The Maine State Ferry Service asked sent out bids for a vessel to carry passengers. The Islesboro Ramp Repair Committee, an advisory committee meeting with Town Manager Marnie Diffin, reviewed the ferry service specifications and underlined the necessity for medical emergency transportation but much remains to be settled including where that vessel will land on the mainland.
Diffin said that state ferry Manager Jim McLeod. “understands how important it is for Islesboro people to land in Lincolnville.” In fact, the ramp committee already created a plan for parking on the Lincolnville side and issued permits for commuters, essential services, school, and medical personnel. The anticipated difficulty is access to floats on the mainland side.
The Cianbro barges fill space on the north side of the present ramp, and Lincolnville fishermen and boat owners so far show little willingness to move moorings to ease access. While Cianbro is willing to allow islanders to attach floats to the barges, there can be no foot traffic across the barge, creating a classic, “you can’t get there from here,” from the pier to the floats.
Islesboro Selectman will communicate directly with Lincolnville Selectmen to see how to improve the situation, and the ramp committee is eyeing other docks and piers along west bay for landing medical emergency trips.
“We are still pretty much in limbo,” said Town Manager Diffin, “until the state decides where they are going to land the passenger boat.” McLeod has not ruled out the Rockland terminal.
Parking in Lincolnville continues to be an issue. Cianbro’s portable offices and personnel vehicles occupy several spaces, and islanders are concerned about summer beach traffic.
A family-fun oriented Harvest Festival set for October 3 planned by Lincolnville businesses and Cellardoor Winery featuring a Ferris wheel, parade, pumpkins, face painting and games is expected to draw 5,000 to Lincolnville Beach.
Organizer Bettina Dalton reported that the planners are working with the town and businesses to provide parking along the main road and a side street. “Everyone is aware of the construction project,” she said.
Meanwhile, some Islesboro residents are happily anticipating an early end to the summer resident season and a day-tripper free October. Others, some with ongoing medical issues, commuters, and those accustomed to frequent mainland trips are wondering how they will be able to get off when they wish. Town Manager Diffin said, “Everyone needs to remember that we can’t insure the same level of service that we’re used to. People have to be flexible.”
“It sounds mean,” Diffin said, “but if you have a chronic health problem and are really worried about getting off, maybe you ought to find a place on the mainland to go for the duration.”