Sen. Grohoski gives comment on Seawall Road in Southwest Harbor

SOUTHWEST HARBOR — On Tuesday, July 15, the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) sent a letter to Southwest Harbor town officials, informing them that Southwest Harbor can arrange for temporary repairs to Seawall Road in 2024 and that MDOT will perform more permanent repairs to Seawall Road in 2025.

“Like many residents of Southwest Harbor and Tremont, I have been frustrated by the ongoing closure of Seawall Road and the uncertainty about its future,” said Sen. Grohoski. “I am grateful that MDOT has listened to community members and announced a path forward for both short- and long-term repairs. Repairing Seawall Road will reconnect important public and private sector partners and increase public health and safety. I will continue to work with town leaders and state agencies to facilitate a short-term repair as quickly as possible. ”

In its letter to Southwest Harbor, MDOT proposed two potential solutions. First, MDOT would provide a full repair of the road in the spring of 2025, with additional resiliency features to better prepare for future storms. The Town of Southwest Harbor would enter an agreement with MDOT and the National Park Service to address damage from future storms beyond the 2025 repair.

For the second solution, MDOT will allow the Town of Southwest Harbor to work with local contractors to make a temporary repair for the 2024 season. Southwest Harbor would be responsible for contractor oversight, environmental compliance and safety. MDOT would assist with signage.