News Release for May 2, 2008
For More Information:
Mark Latti, MaineDOT Office of Communications, 624-3030

I-295 work continues in West Gardiner/Gardiner and Topsham/Brunswick

MaineDOT announced today that construction will continue next week on two sections of Interstate 295. This work is preceding the much larger I-295 southbound rehabilitation project scheduled to start June 15. Motorists should drive with caution through these construction areas and expect possible delays.

In the Topsham area, four miles of I-295 Southbound between Brunswick and Topsham will have one lane closed to traffic as crews work on guardrails and bridges, and also begin milling and paving. These lane closures will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the next six weeks. Crews are scheduled to work from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; but on certain days could work past 6:00 p.m. Once paving begins, crews will work through the daylight hours and possibly some nights depending on weather.

In the West Gardiner area beginning Sunday night, May 4 at 9:00 p.m. and continuing until 6:30 a.m. Monday morning, earthwork crews and guardrail crews will begin working in the vicinity of the West Gardiner Toll Plaza and Exit 51 off-ramp. This work will occur nightly from Sunday, May 4, from 9:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., or until the night’s work is completed. The work is expected to be completed by Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning. The work will be weather permitting. During these days, and within the time frame, the exit 51 ramp will remain open. There will be single lane traffic exiting the toll plaza area.

Beginning Monday, May 5 in the morning hours, MaineDOT’s Bridge Maintenance Division is scheduled to begin maintenance work on the Cobbosseecontee Bridge. This work is expected to last up to one week. During this period, there will be single lane traffic from the Route 126 overpass through the bridge area, during day and night. Currently crews are scheduled to work first in the right lane on the bridge. Once complete, the lane will be reopened to traffic and the other lane closed to conduct similar work.

Motorists should be advised that during the week, there will be several crews working simultaneously on several projects. During this time, lane shifts may be utilized to allow traffic to flow through the work areas, while the crews work on these projects in different locations.  Caution is needed while travelling through this zone. Motorists should refrain from tailgating, as lane shifts are likely throughout this time.

Milling and paving along this Gardiner/West Gardiner stretch is expected to begin the night of Sunday, May 11, but this is contingent upon night temperatures above 50 degrees and favorable weather conditions.

# # #