News Release for September 7, 2007
For More Information: Jim Gudroe, 207-441-7871

MaineDOT to close a section of Route 43 in Hudson
next week for culvert replacement

Drivers who normally use Route 43 east of Hudson should allow extra travel time late next week (September 12th through 15th), according to the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT). Starting Wednesday, September 12th, MaineDOT maintenance workers will close a portion of Route 43 while they replace a large culvert. For a few days, the closure can be expected to create inconvenience for some area travelers.

“We need to replace a culvert that crosses beneath Route 43, about 1.7 miles east of the junction with Route 221 (Roger’s Market).  The old culvert has deteriorated over time and needs to be replaced,” explained Jim Gudroe of MaineDOT’s Region 4 Office in Bangor, where the work is being coordinated. Given the recent dry weather, conditions are favorable for MaineDOT maintenance workers to get in and complete the culvert replacement quickly.

“The culvert is four feet across and about 70 feet long.  The most efficient, safest, and quickest way to replace it is to close the road completely while we do the work," Gudroe noted.  “We’ll be closing Route 43 to through-traffic beginning on the morning of Wednesday, September 12th and reopening the road by Saturday, September 15th, assuming that all goes well.” 

Local residents and others needing access to properties along the closed section of Route 43 will still have local access, but no through-traffic will be allowed, Gudroe continued.  “Drivers can still use the closed portion of the road from each end to the actual work area, but no traffic will be allowed through the work area itself,” he continued.

While the project is in progress, motorists will be able to follow a detour route that utilizes Route 221 and local roads, around Pushaw Lake, to connect Hudson village with the Orono/Old Town area. Signage will be in place to direct drivers traveling in either direction.

“We understand that the road closure will be a major inconvenience for residents, school buses, and everyone who uses that part of Route 43,” said Gudroe. “We’re asking for the patience and cooperation of the public so we can get this needed work done safely and quickly,” he concluded.

For more information, contact Jim Gudroe by phone at 207-441-7871 or by e-mail at Region4.mainedot@maine.gov.