Emergency repairs are set to begin next week on the Maine Turnpike bridge over Forest Avenue in Portland.

Turnpike Authority Director of Communications Rebecca Grover says structural damage was discovered during routine inspections.

“Our engineering consultant did their annual inspection and discovered that there was some damage to the bridge deck,” said Grover. “The bridge is safe, but in order to prevent further damage, these repairs need to be done ASAP.”

The Turnpike Authority has hired CPM Constructors; Inc to perform the repairs for $1,638,885.00.

The work consists of removing the pavement surface, select removal and replacement of deteriorated bridge deck concrete as well as replacing the pavement surface and bridge joint removal and replacement.

Work on the bridge will start next week and be completed by Thanksgiving, with some spring work required.

Grover says there’ll be lane closures on Forest Avenue, but they’ll be limited to off peak, nighttime hours.

“When it is down to one lane overnight, there will be flaggers controlling it, and there will always be access for pedestrians in the area,” Grover said. “It might not be on the side of the road that they want it to be on, but there will always be access for pedestrians.”

The bridge, built in 1955 and widened in 1998, requires maintenance to prevent further damage.

A public meeting was held to inform nearby residents about the project, and more information is available on the Maine Turnpike Authority’s website.