A better idea came along - one that wouldn't interfere with either the waterfront or its views.

The new route would begin just as before on Route 1 at Pottle Cove Road, and then run down to the water. From there, built on an elevated roadway or causeway, it crosses Pottle Cove and enters the Sheepscot River. But instead of bending north, going through a short tunnel, and re-emerging to join the Davey Bridge at mid-point…it now proceeds directly across the river in front of Mason Station, passes between Davis Island and the northern tip of Westport, rises above the Eddy Road, and then goes across Cod Cove to rejoin Route 1…

Just as the Davey Bridge does, the new roadway would rise gracefully above the channel to allow the passage of most boats beneath. To accommodate tall-masted sailboats, and the occasional large vessel, there would be a drawbridge at the apex, which would have to be opened but a few times each day during the height of summer, according to Harbor Master David Sutter.

The new route would be shorter and more direct than any of MDOT's proposals, but would also be more expensive to build. However, to help offset the added cost, it could be designed to offer a scenic eight-foot wide Promenade, a few feet higher than the roadway, so strollers, hikers and bicycle riders alike could safely enjoy breathtaking water vistas while they exercise. With a variety of amenities along its length, the Promenade should prove a major cultural enhancement for area residents, as well as a powerful tourist attraction to foster economic development - and may thereby qualify for other federal funding.

In practical terms, the over water bypass proposal serves an additional significant purpose. It protects owners whose land, homes and businesses lie in the path of MDOT's proposed bypass, by affording them a legal basis with which to challenge in court the taking of their property.

They could argue that the state cannot seize their land - as long as there exists a Viable Alternative , namely the over-water route. In an effort to counter this, the state would likely argue that the projected high cost of a causeway would render any such alternative non-viable.

And then it would be up to the court to weigh the respective costs and hand down its decision.