Gust A gust of wind was the culprit that pushed the Southport Bridge just a little too far open causing it to be stuck after bridge tender Duane Lewis opened the bridge for an approaching fishing vessel on Thursday, Jan. 3. (Photo Joe Orchulli II)

On Thursday, January 3, the Southport Bridge was stuck in the open position for over an hour causing traffic to back up on both sides in bitter temperatures.

At 2:30 p.m., bridge tender Duane Lewis opened the bridge for an approaching fishing vessel when a gust of wind caused the bridge to open beyond the limit switch according to Dwight Lewis.

Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Bob Hasch showed up on the scene to offer his help as well as others on both sides of the bridge.

A Coast Guard boat arrived at 3:05 p.m. helping to bring Southport firefighter Wendell Larkin and a large diameter rope to the Southport side of the bridge in an attempt to pull the bridge closed with an awaiting truck driven by Southport Fire Chief Gerry Gamage.

Dwight Lewis arrived on the scene and was able to quickly close the bridge using one of the alternate motors on the bridge returning traffic to normal at approximately 4 p.m.