News Release for August 8, 2007

Contact: Steve Kenney, 624-8204

CULVERT WORK TO DETOUR ROUTE 3 TRAFFIC

IN BELMONT AND MORRILL

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) says drivers using Route 3 in Belmont should allow some additional travel time next week (August 13-17th).

“We need to replace large drainage pipes under Route 3 at two different locations, one in Belmont and one in Merrill.” Explains Steve Kenney of MaineDOT’s Region 2 Office, where the work is being coordinated.  “The most efficient way to do that is to close about two miles of Route 3 to through traffic and work on both locations simultaneously.”

“We’ll be closing Route 3 from the intersection of Routes 3 and 131 in Belmont to the intersection of Route 3 and the Higgins Ridge Road in Morrill on Monday, August 13th.  Through traffic will use Route 131 and the Higgins Ridge Road as a detour,” Kenney notes.

“Route 3 will remain open to local traffic from each end of the detour to the first work location, which is about one mile east of the Higgins Ridge Road intersection with Route 3, but no through traffic will be allowed,” he continued.  “The second location is about one-half mile west of the intersection of Routes 3 and 131 in Morrill.  At that location, one-lane traffic will be available for local traffic only.”

“Advisory signs will be posted and the detour will be well-marked.  But local drivers familiar with the area should be aware that people less familiar with the area may take longer than usual to negotiate the detour route.  A bit of patience on everyone’s part will make things more pleasant for everyone,” Kenney concluded.

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