PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Construction on a new bridge that will link the Maine cities of Portland and South Portland is running ahead of schedule.

The new Veterans Memorial Bridge is due to open July 1, 2012.

The $63 million bridge over the Fore River is being built roughly parallel to the existing bridge, which will be removed after the new one is finished.

Maine Department of Transportation Project Manager Jeff Folsom told the Portland Press Herald the new bridge is being built to last 100 years. It is being built with low-permeability, high-strength concrete that contains corrosion inhibitors and should require less maintenance than the old bridge.

The old bridge was built in 1954. It is considered safe, but the deck and pilings are deteriorating.

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