Frequently Asked Questions

What does “fully-accessible” mean?

The Riverwalk will be designed and constructed to meet the guidelines of the American with Disabilities Act which addresses issues such a walkway materials, grading, width of the path, etc. to enable wheelchair access.  This means that families with strollers and bicycles also will be able to use the Riverwalk and the absence of steps will help anyone who has difficulty walking.  Like the Androscoggin River Bike Path, the Riverwalk will be paved with asphalt.

What is the Riverwalk’s anticipated completion date?

We hope to complete the Riverwalk within three to five years.

What is the estimated cost of the Riverwalk?

The estimated cost for the total project in late 2008 was $850,000.

How will the Riverwalk be funded?

Topsham and Brunswick have applied to the Maine Department of Transportation’s Quality Community Program, a successor the program that provided major funding for the restoration of the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge, for a grant that could pay up to 80% of the cost of the project.  The balance would be covered by donations from foundation, corporations, individuals and other government agencies.  The Riverwalk Advisory Committee is actively seeking funding from these sources.  If the Riverwalk is not funded in this round of MDOT grants, the project can be divided into phases and implemented as funding becomes available for each phase. For more information, click here.

If there will be a need for town funding, has the committee approached the Town Managers yet?

We do not anticipate asking for municipal funding.  Both towns have endorsed the committee and have committed to in-kind resources, such as municipal  staff serving as representatives on the Riverwalk Advisory Committee.

Will there be opportunities to “buy” a bench, brick or some other element of the Riverwalk as part of your fundraising strategy?

Yes, but we are still in the concept design phase so uncertain about exactly what we will be offering.  Add your name to our e-mail list for updates about this aspect of the campaign.

Have you set priorities for the construction elements?

Not yet.  This will be dependent partly on the availability of funding, which may be designated by the donors for certain sections of the Riverwalk.

Is it possible to avoid paving the dirt path on Mill Road in the Topsham portion of the Riverwalk?  Is there a boardwalk system that would meet criteria for full accessibility?

The Advisory Committee has reviewed the options and experts have agreed that the most cost-effective material for ADA-compliant, year-round access to the Riverwalk is asphalt paving. The issues include the higher initial construction expense of alternatives, costly labor-intensive maintenance of a natural trail, and winter snow-plowing for four-season accessibility.

Will this path be suitable for bicyclists and  skateboarders, as well as pedestrians?

Yes, initially the walking route will be open to non-motorized vehicles.  If a problem develops with irresponsible, discourteous skateboarders or cyclists, the towns will address it.  At this point, we want everyone to feel welcome on the Riverwalk.

Will it link to the existing Androscoggin River Bike Path?

No direct link is planned at this time. Access will be via Maine, Mason & Water Streets in Brunswick, or via Main and Elm Streets in Topsham.  There is a long-term regional plan for a continuous bike path from Durham to West Bath, but that is not within the scope of this Riverwalk project.

Where is parking available, especially in Topsham Lower Village?

Parking for Riverwalk users is indicated on the map. New parking areas have been constructed in the parks at either end of the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge.  In the Topsham Lower Village, there is municipal parking available at the former Fire House and on Main Street near Fiberarts. In Brunswick, there is parking availability near Fort Andross.

Will the Riverwalk be open to dogs?

Yes, as long as the dogs are under the control of their dogwalkers so do not interfere with enjoyment of the Riverwalk by others.  Dogwalkers must clean up after their pets.

Will there be receptacles for trash and dog waste (with provisions for emptying them) at strategic locations along the Riverwalk?

Yes, we plan to have plastic bag dispensers for dogwalkers and trash bins at strategic locations, such as parking lots.  The Riverwalk Advisory Committee will develop a plan for maintenance with the input of town staff.  If the maintenance burden is too great, an alternative option will be to develop a carry in/carry out policy.

Will the cantilevered section of the sidewalk be capable of supporting sidewalk tractors for winter plowing?

Yes, supporting the Public Works Department’s snow removal equipment this is one of the requirements to make the Riverwalk an accessible, year-round facility.

How are you addressing safety concerns, including lighting and isolation, particularly along the Topsham side of the path and balancing them with the current natural state of the trail?

This will be a year-round path, but, like the Androscoggin River Bike Path in Brunswick, there will be lighting only in strategic locations. The entire 1.25 mile route will not be lighted, so the Riverwalk is not intended to be used 24 hours a day.

Has there been an evaluation about the safety risks involved with an increase in swimming in and around the island now that there is increased access?

This is more appropriate for law enforcement officials, so was not addressed by the Riverwalk Advisory Committee.

Can we connect the Industrial Revolution Culture (people who walked to work - hence the pedestrian bridge) with the current Technological Revolution?

We plan to have signage that relates to the unique characteristics of the area; the historical aspect of foot traffic by millworkers will be highlighted.