News Release for April 29, 2008
For More Information:
Mark Latti, MaineDOT Office of Communications, 624-3030

Maine Department of Transportation Names Pike Industries as Contractor for I-295 Southbound Rehabilitation Project

During a press conference held today, the Maine Department of Transportation named Pike Industries as the contractor for the I-295 Southbound rehabilitation project. The project, which will cost approximately $28.5 million and is 90% funded by the Federal Highway Administration, will replace the deteriorating concrete road from Gardiner to Topsham.  Due to the nature of the project, all southbound lanes within the work area will be closed starting June 15th to August 30th.  Traffic will be rerouted to the Maine Turnpike and Route 201.  The contract includes an incentive for finishing the work early and penalties for going beyond August 30th.

Commissioner David A. Cole said the project “is a necessary one.  We are doing all that we can to ensure the safety of motorists as well as residents along Route 201.” The 18 mile stretch of I-295 Southbound was built with concrete slabs in the 1970’s and is now severely deteriorating due to an alkali/silica reactivity. During the project, the road will be “rubblized” and completely rebuilt. Once completed, it is expected to last the next 20 years. Additional infrastructure improvements, including repaving, guardrail upgrades, bridge repair and other safety updates will be made north and south of the construction area beginning this week.

In order to minimize the impact on motorists and the local community, an aggressive communications campaign will encourage commercial vehicles and other motorists bound for Portland and points south to use the Maine Turnpike.  The Maine Turnpike Authority is also providing free, temporary E-Z Pass Transponders to the first 3,000 motorists who apply.   As the alternative for travel to locations such as Brunswick and Freeport, Route 201 has been carefully reviewed and a traffic plan designed to ensure the safety of motorists and residents.  The plan will include improvements to Route 197 intersection, installing flashing lights at the intersection of Route 125 and Route 138, increased street lighting, work zone speed limits, etc.

State and Federal Officials, including the Maine Tourism Association and the Federal Highway Administration, attended the press conference and are supportive of the project.  MaineDOT Commissioner David Cole stated, “Summer is clearly an important time in Maine for both local and national tourists to visit our beautiful state.  Unfortunately, due to our weather conditions, this is the only time paving of this nature can be completed.  We are confidant that the alternative routes and the plans we have put in place will help to get motorists safely and efficiently to their destination.”

For more information or to sign up for e-mail alerts: www.mainedot.gov.

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