New information from federal transportation officials shows that rehabilitating a 90-year-old bridge connecting Topsham to Brunswick is more costly than replacing it.

A draft from the Federal Highway Administration was released in response to a federal court’s instructions for further cost analysis related to the Frank J. Wood Bridge.

According to CBS 13 news, the cost to replace the bridge in 2017 was $13 million compared to $15 million to rehabilitate. However, the MaineDOT’s current three-year work plan estimates the cost of replacing the bridge would be $33.5 million.

The bridge is rapidly deteriorating, with all commercial vehicles now being prohibited from using it. Some in the community have pushed back against replacing the bridge, saying it holds historical value.

The MaineDOT plans to advertise for construction bids on a new bridge this summer or early fall, with construction slated to begin later this year.