Hampden needs to fix an aging bridge to 6 homes or build a new road

Hampden needs to fix an aging bridge to 6 homes or build a new road

HAMPDEN, Maine — An aging bridge that provides the only lifeline for a half-dozen homes needs roughly $1 million in repairs, but local officials aren’t convinced that’s the best option. The Manning Mill Bridge spans a short distance over the Souadabscook Stream in Hampden, and is the only access to six homes on the dead-end Manning Mill Road. A state inspection in 2019 caused the weight limit to drop to 15 tons. That limit restricts residents fr…