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MaineDOT News Releases
Following are the latest news releases issued by The Maine Department of Transportation.
News Release for June 25, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
LEWISTON - The Maine Department of Transportation is working to repair part of the surface of the bridge that carries Lincoln Street over part of the Androscoggin River between Locust Street and South Avenue in Lewiston. Earlier this afternoon, a crew from the city noticed some buckling on the bridge surface. That crew closed the bridge to traffic and contacted MaineDOT. MaineDOT bridge experts responded to inspect the bridge. It appears that part of the bridge's concrete surface has separated from the concrete bridge deck. The bridge deck does not appear to be damaged. Bridge experts believe the recent fluctuation in temperature and rain caused the concrete delamination. MaineDOT crews will have the bridge repaired and opened to traffic tonight.
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News Release for June 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
RUMFORD - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the Morse Bridge on Route 108 in Rumford on Monday, June 24th. This closure is required so crews can replace the wearing surface and bridge expansion joints. This full closure is scheduled to run continuously through late August. The vehicle detour uses Route 2. The contractor on this project is CPM Constructors of Freeport. The contract amount is $664,000.
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News Release for June 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
UPDATE: The original press release listed work happening on Route 4. It is actually happening on Route 27.
FRANKLIN AND SOMERSET COUNTIES - The Maine Department of Transportation will be doing paving work on Route 27 between Farmington and Kingfield. The project area starts in Farmington at the intersection of Route 4 and extends north approximately 19 miles, ending north of School Street in Kingfield. Drivers should expect an alternating, single-lane traffic pattern during this project. Work began today and is anticipated to be completed by November. The contractor on this project is Pike Industries of Fairfield. The contract amount is $14.7 million.
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News Release for June 13, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
FREEPORT AND BRUNSWICK - The Maine Department of Transportation is making improvements to I-295 in Freeport and Brunswick. This project affects both sides of the interstate. The work area begins just north of Exit 22 and extends north for approximately six miles.
On-site work began in late May, but crews are now beginning to implement lane shifts and will be installing concrete barriers over the next week to protect workers. Both northbound and southbound lanes of traffic are being shifted away from the interstate median. Contractors are working in three-mile-long segments. Work is beginning at the southern end of the project limits and will progress northward over the coming months.
Much of this construction is being done during the day. Drivers need to pay extra attention to workers as well as trucks entering and exiting the work site during daytime hours. The Exit 22 and 24 northbound on-ramps will experience slow and stopped traffic. Throughout these work zones, travel lanes and shoulders will be narrower and speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph.
This work involves making improvements to the interstate passing lane pavement, reconstructing the shoulders and median, improving highway drainage, and installing new guardrail. The contractor on this project is Shaw Brothers of Gorham. The contract amount is $16 million. All work is scheduled to be finished by mid-December.
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News Release for June 13, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BUXTON AND GORHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be doing paving work on Route 202 between Buxton and Gorham. The project area starts near Pennell Road in Buxton and extends northeast for approximately six miles, ending near Access Road in Gorham. Drivers should expect an alternating, single-lane traffic pattern during this project, with full closures lasting up to ten minutes. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 17th and is anticipated to be completed by September. This work involves making roadway improvements such as paving, curb installation, and guardrail work. The contractor on this project is Pike Industries of Belmont, New Hampshire. The contract amount is approximately $3.4 million.
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News Release for June 11, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation has selected a contractor for a pilot program to provide commuter bus service between Portland and Lewiston/Auburn. RTW Management, Inc. a transportation services provider based in Salt Lake City was the preferred bidder on a request for proposals issued by MaineDOT in January. The contract amount is $2.8 million. Service is expected to begin in early July.
MaineDOT is advancing the design and implementation of a minimum two-year pilot commuter bus service that provides a level of frequency and service envisioned by recent rail studies of this corridor. This pilot bus service will serve as an indicator of the latent demand and potential market for enhanced public transportation between the Portland and Lewiston/Auburn regions.
Throughout the summer and fall of 2023, MaineDOT and consultant Cambridge Systematics gathered stakeholder input and analyzed several potential routes, ultimately identifying a preferred alternative that includes stops at Bates College, the Oak Street Bus Station in Lewiston, the Auburn Transportation Center, the Maine Turnpike Exit 75 Park and Ride in Auburn, Monument Square in Portland, and the Portland Transportation Center. Service will include several runs throughout the day from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends. MaineDOT will work with RTW to identify any variations on the recommended route, schedule, and stops. While the focus is on workforce transportation, the service will be open for all trip purposes.
The Lewiston-Auburn to Portland Commuter Bus Implementation Study is available at https://www.maine.gov/mdot/transit/publications/.
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News Release for June 10, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
MEDWAY - The Maine Department of Transportation is renovating the rest area buildings on both sides of I-95 in Medway. Work on the northbound side is scheduled to begin today and last approximately three weeks. After that, work will begin on the southbound side. The buildings will be closed to the public during these renovations. Portable toilets will be available. The contractor on this project is ReFine, LLC of Bangor. The contract amount is approximately $129,000.
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News Release for June 5, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
KENNEBEC COUNTY - The Maine Department of Transportation is replacing the wearing surface on the Pearl Harbor Remembrance bridge, which carries Route 126 (Bridge Street) over the Kennebec River near the Gardiner/Randolph town line. Routes 9, 27, and 126 intersect west of the bridge on the Gardiner side.
On-site construction work for the project began on May 22nd. Two-way traffic will be maintained on the bridge throughout the month of June. A directional detour, which will remove eastbound traffic (to Randolph) from the bridge, will begin on July 8th. During this detour, access to the east side of the Kennebec River will require traveling north to Augusta or south to Richmond/Dresden. Two-way traffic will be restored by August 16th. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of September.
The contractor for this project is Wyman & Simpson, Inc. of Richmond. The contract amount is approximately $3 million.
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News Release for May 24, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
MADAWASKA - The Maine Department of Transportation and the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (NBDTI), in coordination with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), are planning to open the new Madawaska-Edmundston bridge to traffic on Thursday, June 6th. The new bridge will initially be restricted to vehicles that weigh no more than five tons while construction activities continue on the bridge and Canadian Port of Entry.
The ongoing construction will also involve the permanent closure of the old bridge to vehicle traffic on Monday, June 3rd. This means that both Madawaska bridges are scheduled to be closed to vehicle traffic from June 3rd until June 6th. The next closest border crossings are in Fort Kent (approximately 19 miles to the west) and Van Buren (approximately 24 miles to the east). The old bridge will remain open to pedestrians between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. EST and 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST and until the new bridge is open.
As is the case with all outdoor construction, this schedule may change because of the weather.
The new bridge has been built on a new alignment, crossing the St. John River approximately 1,400 feet upstream from the old bridge on the U.S. side and tying into the existing New Brunswick port facility on the Canadian side. The new bridge features wider travel lanes and added shoulders on both sides. There is a raised sidewalk on the downstream side of the new bridge. The new bridge is designed to last 100 years. On-site bridge construction started in 2021. All work associated with the bridge project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
The bridge construction project is a collaborative effort involving both MaineDOT and NBDTI. The contractor on the project is Reed & Reed, Inc. of Woolwich. The construction contract is approximately $86.5 million. The total project cost is approximately $97.5 million. In 2019, this project received a $36-million Infrastructure for Rebuilding American (INFRA) grant from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. The remaining costs are being shared by MaineDOT and NBDTI.
During bridge construction, the GSA has been constructing a new land port of entry on the U.S. side of the international border. That project is nearing completion. MaineDOT, NBDTI, GSA, CBSA, and others are planning an event later this year to celebrate these projects.
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News Release for May 24, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
LINCOLN COUNTY - MaineDOT and its contracting partners have been able to make emergency repairs to the Southport Bridge to allow it to open to marine traffic. The bridge is currently operating correctly and should be able to accommodate the passage of all marine traffic through the holiday weekend. The moveable bridge opens on a schedule: every 30 minutes between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE FROM YESTERDAY:
LINCOLN COUNTY - The Southport Bridge remains unable to open for marine traffic because of damage done to the structure's electrical systems during this past winter's flooding events. Boats that have the necessary vertical clearance to pass under the closed bridge are still able to pass through. Maintenance crews are actively working to resolve the issue, but we expect the situation will not be resolved in time for the upcoming holiday weekend.
This delay in bridge operations is unrelated to the construction project that is currently taking place. MaineDOT is rehabilitating the bridge, which carries Route 27 over the Townsend Gut at the Boothbay Harbor/Southport town line.
On-site work started in October. The project is expected to be finished next May. The contractor on this project is Cianbro of Pittsfield. The contract amount is $20.9 million. This project was awarded a $7.64-million federal BUILD grant in 2020.
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News Release for May 22, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
KITTERY - A new, dynamic part-time shoulder use (PTSU) system is now operational for motorists on I-95 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine. This PTSU system is in place on approximately three miles of I-95 - between Exit 5 in New Hampshire and Exit 3 in Maine - including the Piscataqua River Bridge. Designed to reduce congestion and improve safety, the PTSU system will be used during peak travel periods from May through October, during unplanned incidents, and as traffic conditions warrant.
Based on real-time travel conditions, crews at the Maine Turnpike Authority's Transportation Management and Communications Center in Portland will determine when to allow the right shoulder of the road southbound to be used as an open travel lane while New Hampshire will manage the PTSU northbound. When the PTSU system is activated, motorists will see the system's messaging components (beacons and lane-use signals) turn on to indicate when the shoulder is open for travel. There will also be warning signs with flashing beacons at the on-ramps approaching the system to alert merging traffic when the shoulder lane is open for travel and to use extra caution when merging into the highway. Traffic operators from both states will close the shoulder to traffic when congestion eases, if there's a motorist in the breakdown lane, or if any other emergency situation warrants the closure of the shoulder. Safety patrols will be increased when the PTSU system is in use.
The PTSU system is the result of a partnership involving the Maine Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. The three agencies also collaborated on a project to rehabilitate and revitalize the Piscataqua River Bridge. That work extended the life of the bridge, added needed safety improvements, and prepared the structure for this new PTSU system.
Green Mountain Communications of Pembroke, New Hampshire is the general contractor for the PTSU system. The contract amount was $9.4 million. The total project cost, including engineering and design work, was approximately $10 million.
View an illustration of the new system here: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/_assets/img/Part-Time%20Shoulder%20Use%20Illustration.pdf
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News Release for May 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SAGADAHOC AND KENNEBEC COUNTIES - The Maine Department of Transportation is making improvements on both the northbound and southbound sides of I-295 between Topsham and Gardiner. This work involves paving work as well as work on the bridges over Routes 125/138 at Exit 37 in Bowdoinham and the Cobbosseecontee Bridges between Gardiner and West Gardiner.
Much of this work will be done during the day with the help of new technology to improve safety and awareness on road construction projects. MaineDOT has developed a specification for a Smart Work Zone System. This system involves deploying portable sensors miles ahead of some of our interstate work zones. The sensors monitor vehicle speeds and volumes. This allows the department to collect real-time traffic information and put that information on digital message boards. This gives drivers the latest information about what's ahead. Early warnings about speed reductions or stopped traffic are especially important when vehicles are traveling at interstate speeds. Daytime construction improves safety while also reducing costs to Maine taxpayers.
Work began last month and is scheduled to be completed in November, but significant traffic impacts will begin on Monday, May 20th. Drivers may encounter reduced lanes and speeds, which will be announced via message boards 72 hours in advance. The contractor on this project is All States Asphalt of Richmond. The contract amount is $18.8 million.
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News Release for May 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation announced today that it has applied for $456 million in grant funding from the federal government to help construct the East Coast's first floating offshore wind port on a portion of state-owned Sears Island that is reserved for port development.
"Maine has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help transform our economy, protect our environment, create good-paying jobs, and support the generation of clean, affordable, reliable energy for Maine and the region," said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. "At the direction of Governor Mills, we will work collaboratively across the Administration to bring every federal dollar available to Maine to help us seize this opportunity for our people, our environment, and our future."
The application for funding comes after Governor Mills announced in February that the state-owned portion of Sears Island that is reserved for port development is the State of Maine's preferred site for a port facility. Sears Island is a 941-acre island off the coast of Searsport. In 2009, Sears Island was, by agreement, divided into two parcels: approximately 601 acres, or two thirds of the island, was placed in a permanent conservation easement held by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, while the remaining one third, or approximately 330 acres, was reserved by MaineDOT for future development.
The state concluded that the Sears Island parcel is the most feasible port development site in terms of location, logistics, cost, and environmental impact based on input from port and offshore wind stakeholders, including the University of Maine, and on technical and engineering analyses.
MaineDOT submitted the request for Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant funding to the U.S. Department of Transportation earlier this month seeking federal funding for the project, which is identified in the grant application as the Dirigo Atlantic Floating Offshore Wind Port Project.
The port project will establish Maine's place in the growing offshore wind industry and become a hub for job creation and economic development and will help achieve renewable energy goals established by both the Biden Administration and the Maine Legislature. It has been welcomed by a strong and diverse coalition of environmental, labor, and economic organizations.
On April 30th, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced its proposal for the first public auctions of wind energy areas in the Gulf of Maine. This will include eight lease areas totaling nearly one million acres with the potential to generate approximately 15 GW of clean, renewable energy. This is enough energy to power more than five million homes. In selecting these areas, BOEM heeded the calls of Governor Mills and Maine's Congressional Delegation to prohibit offshore wind development in vital Maine fishing grounds.
Currently, there are no other ports being considered on the East Coast that can accommodate all aspects of floating offshore wind construction and deployment and that are close to wind energy areas in the Gulf of Maine.
The selection of a port site reflects a priority of the Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap, a stakeholder-driven comprehensive plan that offers detailed strategies for Maine to realize economic, energy, and climate benefits from offshore wind, in conjunction with communities, fisheries, and wildlife of the Gulf of Maine.
Several factors support the state's selection of the Sears Island site for an offshore wind port:
- The State of Maine owns the parcel of land on Sears Island.
- The parcel of land on Sears Island has been reserved since 2009 for development.
- As a large, level area with deepwater access, the Sears Island site has beneficial physical and logistical characteristics for building a port facility at the scale required to support floating offshore wind port operations. Unlike adjacent Mack Point, the Sears Island site is not expected to require dredging, a key environmental and financial consideration for a port project.
- The Sears Island site would avoid impacts on existing commercial or industrial activities in the Port of Searsport.
- Because the parcel of land on Sears Island is owned by the state, the upfront and ongoing costs for a port facility are estimated to be substantially less than on Mack Point, which is privately owned and would require monthly lease fees.
The port project is subject to extensive and independent state and federal permitting processes, including assessments of environmental impacts and alternative sites. MaineDOT, on behalf of the state, intends to apply for permits later this year, which will also include additional opportunities for stakeholder and public input on the project.
A decision on this grant application is expected later this year. If funding is awarded, the lead federal agency on the project will initiate an environmental review in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. This federal process will inform and run parallel with permitting processes of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
In addition to this grant application, the State of Maine will continue to pursue further federal funding opportunities for the offshore wind port project.
To view the MaineDOT's grant application and other materials, please visit: www.maine.gov/mdot/grants/infra/.
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News Release for May 13, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WEST GARDINER - This is the time of year when seasonal traffic volumes increase and many road construction projects begin in Maine. Representatives from the Maine Department of Transportation, Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine State Police, Associated General Contractors of Maine, and AAA Northern New England joined together in West Gardiner today to highlight the importance of safe driving especially in work zones.
Every year, Maine averages more than 500 crashes and two fatalities in work zones. These are incidents that occurred close to areas where crews may be working near traffic. Historically, the leading causes of work zone crashes are drivers following too closely, being distracted, and failing to yield.
"Since construction season is here, we want to remind drivers that Maine's 'Move Over Law' requires drivers to move over for any vehicle with green or amber lights," said John Cannell, Director of Maintenance for the Maine Turnpike Authority. "Moving over for our crews is not just a courtesy: it's the law."
This year, MaineDOT is using new technology to improve safety and awareness on road construction projects. The department has developed a specification for a Smart Work Zone System. This system involves deploying portable sensors miles ahead of interstate work zones. The sensors monitor vehicle speeds and volumes, allowing the department to collect real-time traffic information and put that information on digital message boards. This gives drivers the latest information about what's ahead.
"Early warnings about speed reductions or stopped traffic are especially important when vehicles are traveling at interstate speeds," said Shawn Smith, senior project manager at MaineDOT. "Smart Work Zone System technology is allowing MaineDOT to do daytime construction work this year on I-295 between Topsham and Gardiner. This daytime construction improves safety while also reducing costs to Maine taxpayers."
"As drivers, it's easy to become complacent when passing through work zones, but the speed limit reduction is there for a reason: to protect you and the men and women who are working in those zones," said Corporal Doug Cropper of the Maine State Police. "Drivers have the power to prevent crashes and save lives by driving with caution and courtesy on the road."
"The dedicated women and men who do road construction work in Maine do their jobs just feet sometimes inches away from traffic moving at high speeds," said Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors of Maine. "These workers know that one moment of driver distraction can result in a deadly crash. There are too many close-call stories. On behalf of these road crews, we urge Maine travelers to slow down, avoid distractions, and pay attention."
"Memorial Day road trips are expected to reach historic highs this year with AAA forecasting 38.4 million travelers by car," said Pat Moody of AAA Northern New England. "AAA recommends that motorists plan for extra road congestion and map their route to navigate around construction zones when possible."
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News Release for May 13, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WEST GARDINER - As seasonal traffic volumes increase and many road construction projects begin in Maine, public and private road workers are coming together to remind drivers to stay alert and drive carefully - especially in work zones.
Today, the Maine Department of Transportation, Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine State Police, Associated General Contractors of Maine, and AAA Northern New England will be holding a press conference to highlight the importance of safe driving.
WHO:
John Cannell - Maine Turnpike Authority
Shawn Smith - Maine Department of Transportation
Cpl. Doug Cropper - Maine State Police
Kelly Flagg - Associated General Contractors of Maine
Pat Moody - AAA Northern New England
WHAT:
Interviews, information, and visuals about work zone safety
WHERE:
Maine Turnpike Authority, West Gardiner Maintenance Facility
199 Lewiston Rd.
West Gardiner, Maine
WHEN:
Monday, May 13th
10:00 a.m.
ADDITIONAL MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Grover - Maine Turnpike Authority
207-838-6795
rgrover@maineturnpike.com
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News Release for May 10, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SOMERSET COUNTY - The Maine Department of Transportation will be doing paving work on Route 201 between Solon and Bingham. The project area starts near the intersection of Route 201 and Lake Road in Solon and extends north for approximately six miles. Drivers should expect an alternating, single-lane traffic pattern during this project. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 13th and is anticipated to be completed by the end of July. The contractor on this project is Pike Industries of Westbrook. The contract amount is $3.2 million.
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News Release for April 29, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
NAPLES - Due to high water levels and trees blocking the Songo River, the Maine Department of Transportation will not be able to open the Songo Lock Draw Bridge in Naples until Saturday, May 11th. MaineDOT typically begins operating the draw bridge on May 1st to allow the passage of marine traffic under State Park Road. The department is communicating with other state agencies as we all work toward the new date when the seasonal bridge operation can begin.
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News Release for April 24, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
COPLIN PLANTATION - The Maine Department of Transportation will be temporarily closing the Nash Bridge on Route 16 in Coplin Plantation on Saturday, April 27th. This full closure is scheduled to run from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. This closure is required to allow repair work on the bridge approach slabs, which were damaged in the December 18th storm. The vehicle detour involves using Routes 27, 142, and 4. The contractor on this project is Jordan Excavation of Kingfield. The contract amount is $350,000.
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News Release for April 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BRUNSWICK/TOPSHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be performing a bridge inspection of the Frank J. Wood Bridge on Wednesday, April 24th. This bridge carries Route 201 between Brunswick and Topsham. Because of the poor condition of the fracture critical Frank J. Wood Bridge, MaineDOT engineers inspect it every six months instead of the normal every 24-month frequency. Construction of a new bridge is currently underway.
This inspection work will impact traffic. Drivers should expect impacts between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Southbound traffic moving from Topsham to Brunswick will be able to cross the bridge. Northbound traffic from Brunswick to Topsham will be detoured to the Topsham Bypass and Route 196. In the event of bad weather, this work could shift to Thursday, April 25th or Friday, April 26th.
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News Release for April 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
HARPSWELL - The Maine Department of Transportation will be making repairs to the Bailey Island Bridge on Route 24 in Harpswell between Orrs Island and Bailey Island. Most of the work involves resetting granite stones that shifted during coastal storms in January. Other work includes drainage repairs and debris removal. Route 24 will be reduced to a single lane of traffic at times. Drivers may encounter full road closures that last no longer than 15 minutes. The sidewalk on the bridge may be closed to pedestrians at times during construction. MaineDOT is allowing the contractor the option of working at night or on Sundays during daylight hours. Most of the repair work will happen during low tides on the sides of the bridge. Construction begins the week of April 15th and will be finished in late May. The contractor on this project is New England Infrastructure of Hudson, Massachusetts. The contract amount is $1.5 million.
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News Release for April 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
TOPSHAM/WEST GARDINER - The Maine Department of Transportation will be making pavement improvements in various locations on both the northbound and southbound sides of I-295 between mile markers 30 and 51. This work involves repaving the Cobbosseecontee Bridges between Gardiner and West Gardiner. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 15th and be complete in November. This project will begin with day work occurring between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. It may transition to night work in the coming months. Drivers may encounter reduced lanes and speeds, which will be announced on message boards 72 hours in advance. This work is necessary to improve the pavement condition and replace bridge joints. The contractor on this project is All States Asphalt of Richmond. The contract amount is $18.8 million.
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News Release for April 11, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
TOPSHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the southbound Exit 31A ramp off I-295 next Sunday and Monday nights. The closures are scheduled from 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14th to 6:00 a.m. on Monday, April 15th and from 10:00 p.m. on Monday, April 15th to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16th. The construction being done is a ramp realignment because of a new Market Basket opening nearby. The contractor on this work is Crooker Construction of Topsham. Market Basket is paying for the construction.
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News Release for April 9, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation measured traffic volumes on some state highways yesterday that were between 10 and 20 times greater than normal. Traffic engineers monitored travel throughout the weekend and estimate that 15,000 additional vehicles came into Maine to witness the solar eclipse. Many more people traveled within the state to access the eclipse's path of totality. Additional details on traffic counts from the entire eclipse weekend will not be available until after this week.
"The Maine Department of Transportation's goal was to get our customers safely where they needed to be for the eclipse, and that happened," said MaineDOT Traffic Engineer Colby Fortier-Brown. "Even though there were traffic delays on state highways as people headed home from the path of totality, we are pleased to report that our state did not experience any major traffic safety incidents related to the eclipse. Our team was able to predict where travel was going to be heavy and help keep vehicles moving safely - albeit more slowly than usual in some areas."
Prior to the eclipse, the biggest traffic back-up observed by state traffic engineers was on Route 201 between Skowhegan and Jackman, where there were delays of approximately one hour. After the eclipse, several state highways in the western and central parts of the state experienced multi-hour delays as eclipse-viewers traveled back south. Traffic engineers observed the most congestion on I-95 north of Bangor as well as Routes 6, 27, and 201. The biggest traffic back-up after the eclipse was a four-hour delay measured on Route 201 between Jackman and Skowhegan. Most traffic congestion in Maine had cleared up by 7:00 p.m.
MaineDOT worked in close coordination with many federal, state, and local agencies as we planned for and experienced the eclipse weekend. We would like to thank all those partners for their hard work and dedication to ensuring safe travel in Maine.
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News Release for April 8, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - In response to the proposed transportation funding cuts approved by the Appropriations Committee majority over the weekend, Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner Bruce Van Note released the following statement:
"I was surprised and disheartened that the Appropriations Committee majority, without notice, decided to assume control of the Highway Fund and divert nearly $60 million away from transportation resources starting next year. MaineDOT Work Plans require long-term, predictable funding, and if these proposed changes become law, we will have to cut work from our current Work Plan. Such a drastic change will impact everything we do, including highway and bridge projects, transit funding, and initiatives aimed at promoting resiliency and clean energy. Importantly, this will hobble our ability to apply for federal grants, which means the impact is more than the state funding cuts."
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News Release for April 3, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
MASARDIS - Earlier this afternoon, a tractor-trailer struck a train on Route 11 in Masardis. Two empty rail cars derailed. Route 11 will be closed for several hours while crews work to get a crane on site to lift the rail cars. MaineDOT is setting up a detour route for vehicle traffic. This part of rail track is owned by MaineDOT. The train was being operated by Maine Northern Railway.
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News Release for April 2, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
ROCKLAND - In a milestone for the expansion of reliable and accessible public EV charging in Maine, some of the nation's first public EV-charging stations funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are now open along U.S. Route 1 in Rockland.
The five high-speed public EV chargers, located at the Hannaford Supermarket in Rockland, were funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The NEVI Program provides states with funding to strengthen and improve the reliability of our nation's electric vehicle charging network. The program was established by the Biden Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is administered through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and supported by the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.
Maine is the fifth state to open NEVI-funded chargers and the first to have an operational NEVI-funded charging location open in conjunction with EV manufacturer Tesla. The Rockland chargers add to Maine's growing network of EV charging infrastructure through Recharge Maine, the state's initiative to create a convenient, reliable, and accessible EV charging network, especially along Maine's most traveled roads and highways.
The availability of public electric vehicle charging stations has more than doubled in Maine since 2019. In January the state of Maine received a $15-million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the further installation of 62 Level 3 fast charging ports and 520 Level 2 charger ports at more than 70 sites in 63 Maine cities and towns - adding to the more than 1,000 public EV charging ports now available across the state.
"Today, Maine leads the charge to electrify our transportation infrastructure with the opening of its first NEVI-funded electric vehicle charging station," said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. "Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are deploying thousands of electric vehicle chargers along our nation's highways and within communities, making finding a charging station just as easy as finding a gas station."
"It was no small feat for Congress to pass a once-in-a-generation bipartisan infrastructure law which includes climate-smart programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program," said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, who voted to pass President Biden's transformative infrastructure bill. "As a long-time electric car driver myself, I know that one of the reasons people have not made the transition is because they worry about access to charging stations. Today is a vital step to deliver significant fuel savings to commuters and drivers and preserve the health of our environment."
"State and federal investments in EV charging across the state will help meet the needs of consumers, communities, and businesses, while helping significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and co-chair of the Maine Climate Council. "As a partner in Recharge Maine, we're proud that Maine is on the leading edge of EV charging in the country, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and we look forward to seeing Maine's EV charging network expand in Bangor, Augusta, Houlton, Machias, Rumford, and other towns and cities to make EV travel across our state more reliable, accessible, and convenient."
"Maine is leading the country in the acceleration of clean energy, energy efficiency, and the availability of clean transportation technology like EV charging," said Dan Burgess, Director of the Governor's Energy Office. "New high-speed chargers like these across the state will provide convenient charging options at key locations for drivers as Maine becomes more EV ready."
"Bipartisan support for transportation leads to real benefits for the traveling public," said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. "Expanding Maine's EV charging network will help reduce range anxiety in our rural state. It will also improve our quality of life by reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector."
"Maine is full speed ahead to implement convenient, reliable EV charging across the state," said Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. "The Rockland station, as the first federally funded Tesla charging station in the nation, embodies the goal of the NEVI program - for any EV user to plug into any publicly funded charger, anytime, anywhere."
"Clean transportation options are advancing with the launch of Maine's first NEVI-funded EV charging station today," said Spencer Thibodeau, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, Department of Energy. "Fast charging complements charging at home and around town to support convenient transportation that can be powered by clean energy."
"The Rockland Supercharger with eight fast-charging stalls is an important travel charging site to expand charging access across Maine," said Shatorah Roberson, Tesla Policy Advisor. "We appreciate the partnership with Recharge Maine under NEVI."
"Care for the planet and the communities we serve is at the core of everything we do, as we aspire to enable our customers and associates to lead healthier and more sustainable lives," said George Parmenter, sustainability lead at Hannaford Supermarkets. "With that goal in mind, we are pleased to work with Recharge Maine; the Maine Department of Transportation; and Peter Kriensky, the owner of the Rockland Shopping Plaza, to bring these high-speed electric vehicle chargers to our Rockland store. These charging stations offer our customers a convenient way to charge their electric vehicles as they shop, while also providing customers the opportunity to be a part of the solution when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
Expansion of Maine's public EV charging network is led by Recharge Maine, a partnership among the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF), the Governor's Energy Office (GEO), the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT).
In August 2023, Recharge Maine announced more than $6 million in NEVI awards would be used to support the construction of new chargers at seven locations. Tesla was awarded $473,591 in NEVI funding for five of the eight charging ports at the Rockland site. The chargers are DC fast-charging (DCFC) chargers that can be used to charge all major EV brands. NEVI funding requires that chargers be physically accessible to the public any time of day and year-round. The chargers must also remain in proper working condition more than 97 percent of the time.
In recent months, new EV chargers became available in Ellsworth, Bangor, Belfast, Newport, Fairfield, Auburn and Lewiston, and funding has been committed for chargers in Presque Isle, Fort Kent, Medway, Machias, Houlton, Ashland, Danforth, Van Buren, Baileyville, Augusta, Searsport, Waldoboro, Rockland, and Brunswick.
Over the next several years, Maine will receive approximately $18 million from the NEVI Formula program to fund the development of the state's deployment plan. Future public fast-charging locations in Maine utilizing NEVI funds will include:
- City of Portland Miss Portland Diner Lot, 140 Marginal Way in Portland
- Hannaford, 295 Forest Avenue in Portland
- Hannaford, 44 Moosehead Trail in Newport
- Dysart's Restaurant and Truck Stop, 530 Coldbrook Road in Hermon
- Airport Mall, 1129 Union Street in Bangor
- Hannaford, 773 Stillwater Avenue in Bangor
- Town of Rumford River Street Lot, 50 River Street in Rumford
- Shaw's Plaza, 770 Roosevelt Trail in Windham
- Nouria, 443 Portland Road in Bridgton
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News Release for April 1, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
GORHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing Route 237 (Mosher Road) in Gorham today as crews work to repair a sinkhole that formed because of a culvert failure. The impacted location is approximately a half-mile north of the intersection of Routes 237 and 25. Crews are working to assess the damage and plan repair work. Signs will direct drivers to a detour route that uses Libby Avenue and Route 4/202.
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News Release for April 1, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
UPDATE:
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree will also be attending.
ROCKLAND - On Tuesday, Recharge Maine - the state's initiative to develop a statewide network of public, high-speed electric vehicle (EV) chargers - will celebrate the opening of the first EV charging stations in Maine funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The five NEVI-funded chargers are among a bank of eight new Tesla charging stations located in the parking lot of the Hannaford in Rockland. Maine is the fifth station in the nation to have NEVI-funded charging stations come online.
WHO:
Shailen Bhatt, Federal Highway Administrator
U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree
Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation
Spencer R. Thibodeau, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy
Mike Scarpino, States & Corridor Electrification Technical Assistance Deployment Manager, Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
Shatorah Roberson, Policy Advisor, Tesla
George Parmenter, Brand Lead Health & Sustainability, Hannaford
WHAT:
Press conference at the site of the new NEVI-funded EV chargers
WHERE:
Hannaford
75 Maverick Street
Rockland, ME 04841
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 2nd
10:00 a.m.
NOTE TO MEDIA:
You may park in the Rockland Plaza parking lot, but please do not park near the store entrances.
###
News Release for March 19, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WATERVILLE/WINSLOW - The Maine Department of Transportation will be performing emergency repair work on the Carter Memorial Bridge tonight. This bridge carries Route 137 between Waterville and Winslow. It is also being used as a detour route during construction on the Ticonic Bridge to the north. MaineDOT crews will be working to repair a loose bridge joint on the west side of the bridge. Work will begin at 7:00 p.m. and be finished by 6:00 a.m. During this overnight work, there will be a single-lane, alternating traffic pattern.
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News Release for March 18, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SACO - The Maine Department of Transportation is continuing work to reconstruct and expand the Saco park-and-ride lot on Industrial Park Road. On-site work is scheduled to resume on March 25th. During construction, the lot will be closed, and a temporary lot will be available a half-mile north on Industrial Park Road. Signage will direct drivers to the temporary lot. This project will expand the number of parking spaces from 128 to 152 including six van-accessible spots. This project will also involve the installation of improved bus and pedestrian facilities and new overhead lighting. This work is anticipated to be finished in October. The contractor for this work is Shaw Brothers Construction of Gorham. The contract amount is approximately $923,000.
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News Release for March 1, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SEARSPORT - The Maine Department of Transportation and its contracting partners are continuing work on a project to rehabilitate and reconstruct Route 1 in downtown Searsport.
On-site construction began in June. Work will resume next week. Beginning on Tuesday, March 5th, southbound traffic will follow a detour that involves Mortland, Old County, and Prospect Roads. This detour is expected to be in place until October 15th.
The anticipated construction completion date for all work is in June of 2025.
The work area begins at Savage Road and extends north for nearly two miles to Station Avenue. The project involves the addition of a center left-turn lane between Trundy Road and Station Avenue. This work will also involve eliminating gaps in sidewalks to create a continuous accessible route downtown for pedestrians. MaineDOT is working with the town to install pedestrian lighting and brick sidewalks.
The contractor on this project is Gordon Contractors of Sangerville. The contract amount is $17,758,548. This project is the recipient of $9.2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending.
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News Release for February 9, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WATERVILLE/WINSLOW - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the Ticonic Bridge to all traffic during nighttime hours next week to accommodate ongoing construction work that requires access to the entire bridge. The Ticonic Bridge carries Bridge Street (Routes 137 and 201) over the Kennebec River between Waterville and Winslow.
These full closures are scheduled to run from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. They will begin on the night of Sunday, February 11th and end on the morning on Friday, February 16th. Full night closures will also occur the following week, running from the night of Sunday, February 18th through the morning of Friday, February 23rd.
All vehicles should us the posted detour south to the Carter Memorial Bridge. All pedestrian traffic should continue to utilize the Two Cent Bridge detour to the north. Detour routes will be signed.
The bridge will be open to two lanes of eastbound vehicular traffic during daytime hours; pedestrian traffic will continue to use Two Cen Bridge.
On-site construction to replace the Ticonic Bridge began in April 2023 and is expected to be finished by May 2027. The contractor on this project is Cianbro of Pittsfield. The construction contract amount is $52.9 million. This project is the recipient of a 2020 Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for $25 million.
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News Release for January 31, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
MaineDOT Seeking Bidders for Pilot Commuter Bus Service Linking Portland and Lewiston/Auburn
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation has published a Request for Proposal, seeking bidders for a pilot program to provide commuter bus service between Portland and Lewiston/Auburn.
MaineDOT is advancing the design and implementation of a minimum two-year pilot commuter bus service that provides a level of frequency and service envisioned by recent rail studies of this corridor. The goal is to begin the service in the first half of 2024. This pilot bus service will serve as an indicator of the latent demand and potential market for enhanced public transportation between the Portland and Lewiston/Auburn regions.
Throughout the summer and fall of 2023, MaineDOT and consultant Cambridge Systematics gathered stakeholder input and analyzed several potential routes, ultimately identifying a preferred alternative that includes stops at Bates College, the Oak Street Bus Station in Lewiston, the Auburn Transportation Center, the Maine Turnpike Exit 75 Park and Ride in Auburn, Monument Square in Portland, and the Portland Transportation Center. Service will be provided from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends. Bidders may propose variations on the recommended route, schedule, and stops. While the focus is on workforce transportation, the service will be open for all trip purposes.
The Lewiston-Auburn to Portland Commuter Bus Implementation Study is available at https://www.maine.gov/mdot/transit/publications/.
The Request for Proposal is available here: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/cpo/rfps/. The deadline for proposals is February 26th.
###
News Release for January 18, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - Today, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) released the 2024 Edition of its three-year Work Plan. It includes all capital projects and programs, maintenance and operations activities, planning initiatives, and administrative functions for calendar years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
MaineDOT's Work Plan is the primary way the department delivers on its mission: to support economic opportunity and quality of life by responsibly providing our customers with the safest and most reliable transportation system possible, given available resources.
This Work Plan contains 2,672 individual work items with a total value of $4.74 billion. This reflects increased infrastructure investments at both the federal and state levels.
"We are grateful that policymakers came together, recognized the benefits of infrastructure investments, and worked in a bipartisan way to deliver significant steps forward for transportation," said MaineDOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note. "This will help MaineDOT continue a pivot from making do to making real progress."
At the federal level, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) passed in November 2021 has allowed MaineDOT to compete for special funding in the form of competitive discretionary grant programs and Congressionally Directed Spending. With thoughtful grant applications and the continued support of our Congressional delegation, federal transportation funding coming to Maine should more than double from pre-BIL levels.
At the state level, Governor Mills and lawmakers unanimously supported a state Highway Fund budget in June 2023 that took a significant step toward addressing the chronic underfunding of transportation. These expanded and new ongoing funding sources could not have come at a better time, given reduced fuel tax revenue projections, opportunities to use state funding to increase federal funding, and the need for state-funded capital projects.
"Transportation will always be a big job in Maine, and challenges will always exist, but now is the time for MaineDOT and its partners to ramp up and deliver," continued Van Note. "We can make a real difference with this Work Plan. That is both invigorating and uplifting."
This Work Plan includes more bridge projects, more durable highway projects, more village and downtown projects, more transit and active transportation investments, more port improvements, and more adaptation to climate impacts.
"We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at MaineDOT to keep delivering projects that improve economic opportunity and quality of life for the people of our great state," said Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors of Maine. "AGC is preparing to meet the demand for increased production by investing in workforce development through the creation and expansion of the Maine Construction Academy. This programming, which includes pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and incumbent workforce up-skilling, will support growth of the construction and transportation workforce both now and into the future."
This Work Plan continues to advance Maine's efforts to combat the impacts of climate change. MaineDOT aims to lead by example by supporting data-driven and practical actions to both reduce emissions in the transportation sector and increase the resiliency of infrastructure across the state.
"Recent storms in Maine and beyond have caused devastation in so many communities, a stark reminder of why we need to make transportation stronger and more resilient," said Maria Fuentes, Executive Director of the Maine Better Transportation Association (MBTA). "MBTA is hopeful that any increase in funding will translate into more investments for more durable infrastructure - more rebuilding and reconstruction of roads, bridges, tracks, culverts, and other needs. No longer can we rely on 'patch and pray;' the state needs to make significant investments in our aging infrastructure to meet the needs of today and the future or risk the peril of falling too far behind."
The availability of discretionary federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been a game-changer for transportation funding in Maine. This Work Plan contains more than $1 billion in funding from U.S. Department of Transportation competitive grant programs and Congressionally Directed Spending awards. Many of the major projects in MaineDOT's Work Plan involve these special funding sources. They include:
- Reconstruction of Route 1 between Frenchville and Fort Kent - recipient of a $27.7-million Rural Surface Transportation (Rural) Grant.
- Safety and mobility improvements throughout North Windham - recipient of a $31.2-million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant.
- Strategic deployment of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the state - recipient of a $15-million Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program Grant.
- Improvements to culverts and fish passage in Downeast Maine, Central Maine, and the Sandy River Watershed - recipient of a $27-million Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (Culvert AOP) Grant.
- Upgrades to the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad between Lewison and Bethel - recipient of a $19.5-million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant.
- The design and construction of a hybrid ferry that will carry passengers and vehicles between Lincolnville and Islesboro - recipient of a $28-million Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program Grant.
- Improvements to Portland's International Marine Terminal - recipient of a $17.8-million Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) Grant.
"The Town of Fort Kent is successfully working with the Maine Department of Transportation on an exciting and transformative Village Partnership Initiative project to make some necessary changes within our downtown," said Suzie Paradis, Fort Kent Town Manager. "This work will help revitalize the downtown district areas, improve the quality of life for the town's residents, attract more visitors, and support small businesses."
The largest and most heavily used component of Maine's transportation system is its vast network of state highways and bridges. Accordingly, this Work Plan invests more than $3 billion in this aspect of our system. These investments include:
- $846.2 million for 267 bridge projects.
- $684 million for 285 miles of highway construction and rehabilitation.
- $678 million for 1,348 miles of preservation paving.
- $618 million for highway and bridge maintenance and operations work.
- $235.4 million in transit investments.
- $220 million for aviation.
- $204.8 million for capital freight projects.
- $165.5 million for capital projects to support the development of ports and marine infrastructure.
- $127.1 million in support of ferry projects.
- $68 million in stand-alone investments for active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.)
- $52.1 million for Amtrak Downeaster operations.
###
News Release for January 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
FARMINGTON FALLS - The Maine Department of Transportation is removing the temporary detour bridge that was being using during the construction of the new Farmington Falls Bridge, which carries Route 41 over the Sandy River between Chesterville and Farmington. The temporary bridge has been closed to traffic and pedestrians due to damage it sustained during the December 18th storm. MaineDOT has made the decision to remove the temporary bridge rather than repair it. The contractor will proceed with completing the new bridge as quickly as possible. We anticipate the new bridge could open to traffic this summer - ahead of the original schedule of opening the bridge in 2025. On-site work began in November 2021. Additional signage will be installed in the area to notify travelers to seek alternate routes.
The contractor on this project is Wyman & Simpson, Inc. of Richmond. The contract amount is $10.4 million.
###
News Release for December 22, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation continues to make progress on repairing the infrastructure damaged by Monday's storm.
As of 1:00 p.m. on Friday, there were 21 road closures and ten bridge closures. Eleven of the road closures are due to trees and power lines still being in the roadway. Some infrastructure continues to be impacted by high water. Most of the roads and bridges that remain closed are in Franklin and Oxford Counties.
MaineDOT reopened the Frank J. Wood Bridge to traffic this morning. Route 26 in Newry is now open to one lane of traffic. Aerial video of that damage is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEWGvP5ZZMM.
Crews will continue to monitor roads and bridges throughout the weekend. The best source for information on road closures continues to be www.newengland511.org, which is continuously updated.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as our crews work to assess and repair damaged infrastructure. Please remember that Maine law now requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching stopped vehicles on the side of the road.
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News Release for December 21, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation continues to have hundreds of dedicated team members working to assess and repair the damage from Monday's storm.
As of 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, there were 41 road closures and 18 bridge closures. More than two thirds of these roads and bridges are in Franklin, Kennebec, and Oxford Counties. These numbers are down from Tuesday's totals of nearly 100 road closures and nearly three dozen bridge closures. No state-owned bridges were destroyed by Monday's storm. MaineDOT expects an estimated cost of the infrastructure damage could be available as soon as Tuesday.
The Frank J. Wood Bridge, which carries Route 201 over the Androscoggin River between Brunswick and Topsham, remains closed. Crews and contractors are working to repair an area of the approach road. We expect the bridge will be reopened to traffic before the holiday weekend.
The best source for information on road closures continues to be www.newengland511.org, which is continuously updated. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as our crews work to repair damaged infrastructure.
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News Release for December 20, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation is continuing to assess and repair damage caused by Monday's rain and wind. The situation is dynamic, but as of 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, there were 66 road closures and 25 bridge closures. More than half of those closures are in Franklin, Kennebec, and Oxford Counties. No bridges have collapsed due to this storm; most of the damage is on the approach roads to the bridges. Engineers are continuing to conduct on-site assessments. We expect an estimated cost of the infrastructure damage will not be available for several days.
The Frank J. Wood Bridge, which carries Route 201 over the Androscoggin River between Brunswick and Topsham, will remain closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic through Wednesday night and into Thursday. Water levels never reached the structural steel on the existing bridge, but some erosion occurred under part of a nearby sidewalk. Crews are working to repair that damage.
We continue to ask the public to avoid unnecessary travel in areas known to be affected. The best source for information on road closures continues to be www.newengland511.org, which is continuously updated. If you must travel, please allow yourself extra time, and never drive through standing water. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as our crews work to repair damaged infrastructure.
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News Release for December 19, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - In coordination with the Maine Emergency Management Agency and other public safety officials, the Maine Department of Transportation is working to assess and repair damage caused by yesterday's rain and wind. As of early this afternoon, there are nearly 100 state road closures in Maine due to downed trees and power lines, flooding, and significant infrastructure damage. Although all Maine counties have been impacted by this storm, Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, and Kennebec Counties are currently experiencing more than half of the road closures. In particular, roads and bridges near the Sandy, Swift, Carrabassett, Kennebec, and Androscoggin Rivers (and their tributaries) are seeing high water levels resulting in damage and closures.
MaineDOT has closed almost three dozen bridges statewide due to high and fast-running water. For example, at approximately 11:00 a.m. today, MaineDOT closed the Frank J. Wood Bridge, which carries Route 201 over the Androscoggin River between Brunswick and Topsham. Commercial vehicles had already been prohibited from using the bridge. There is an active construction project for the replacement of this bridge. This storm is not expected to have any significant impacts on that project. Most of today's bridge closures represent precautionary measures, but a few are due to apparent structural damage.
Inspections and damage assessments are dynamic and cannot be completed until the water recedes, which is expected over the next day or two. Further, many areas cannot be safely accessed by road crews until power lines have been secured. The best way the public can help is to avoid unnecessary travel in areas known to be affected. The best source for information on road closures continues to be newengland511.org, which is continuously updated. If you must travel, please allow yourself extra time, and never drive through standing water. Finally, MaineDOT asks for patience and understanding as crews work to repair damaged infrastructure.
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News Release for December 15, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BANGOR - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing both sides of I-95 in Bangor for several hours on Wednesday night as part of the ongoing work to replace the bridge that carries Broadway over the interstate. The contractor is allowed to perform a full closure between 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20th and 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 21st. This closure is required to remove the overhead sign that spans the entire width of the interstate.
Construction on this bridge replacement project began in September and is expected to be finished in November 2026. The contractor on the work is New England Infrastructure, Inc. of Hudson, Massachusetts, and the construction contract amount is approximately $34 million. This project has received nearly $10 million in discretionary funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Infrastructure for Rebuilding American (INFRA) grant program.
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News Release for December 12, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
DURHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be temporarily closing Route 125 at the Tracy Brook Bridge in Durham on Monday, December 18th. This full closure is scheduled to run from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. This closure is required to allow crews to install the beams for the new bridge.
Vehicles traveling northbound on Route 125 should detour to Routes 125 and 9. Southbound vehicles should take Route 9 to Route 136. Detour routes will be signed.
On-site construction to replace the Tracy Brook Bridge, which carries Route 125 over Meadow Brook in Durham, began on April 3, 2023 and is expected to be finished by November 15, 2024. The contractor on this project is Shaw Brothers Construction of Gorham. The contract amount is $4.8 million.
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News Release for November 10, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
ROCKLAND - The new Maine State Ferry Service vessel being built to serve Matinicus Isle will be named the Charles Norman Shay after the heroic Maine veteran and member of the Penobscot Nation who served as a combat medic during the D-Day invasion.
Mr. Shay was 19 years old and living on Indian Island when he was drafted to serve in World War II. He served as a combat medic during the D-Day invasion and saved many lives on Omaha Beach. Mr. Shay is believed to be the last living Native American who stormed the beaches of Normandy. Mr. Shay's heroic efforts on D-Day earned him the Silver Star and the French Legion of Honor. He also served in the Battle of the Bulge. After World War II, he served in Korea.
Mr. Shay is 99 years old and living in France. He will turn 100 in June.
In August 2022, MaineDOT awarded the ferry vessel construction contract to Steiner Shipyard in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Construction began in November 2022. This new diesel ferry will be 104 feet long. It will have the capacity to carry 149 passengers and seven cars. The cost of construction is approximately $10 million.
Selecting a name for a new Maine State Ferry Service vessel is done through consultation between the MSFS Advisory Board and the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. Earlier this year, the residents of Matinicus recommended to the MSFS Advisory Board that the island's new vessel be named after Mr. Shay. Members of the Matinicus community wanted to recognize the Penobscots because of their presence on the island for centuries prior to the arrival of European settlers. Mr. Shay has deep family roots in the areas that will be served by this vessel. This will be the first MSFS vessel named for a Native American.
Earlier this week, the Maine Department of Transportation contacted Mr. Shay in France to update him on the construction of the vessel that will bear his name.
The Charles Norman Shay is expected to arrive in Rockland in the first half of 2024.
Please contact MaineDOT Director of Communications Paul Merrill for recent pictures of Mr. Shay as well as pictures of the ongoing ferry vessel construction.
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News Release for November 7, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
MACHIAS - The Maine Department of Transportation is taking action to preserve the safety and reliability of the Machias Dike Bridge after recent inspections showed increasing voids within the structure. Part of the shoulder and parking area on the southbound (upstream) side of the bridge are being closed today. In the coming months, the department is planning to put a temporary bridge over the existing structure to maintain traffic on the bridge and adjacent Sunrise Trail. The construction of this temporary bridge will result in the closure of Route 1 for approximately one week.
Bridge inspectors observed areas of concern during a routine bridge inspection in September. Divers returned to the area last week and observed new areas of soil loss between the concrete slab (under the road surface) and the timber that forms the top of the gated boxes.
Additionally, MaineDOT is changing its preferred alternative for the replacement of the Machias Dike Bridge. MaineDOT's new preferred alternative involves the continued use of fully gated culverts.
The Machias Dike Bridge carries Route 1 over the Middle River in the Town of Machias. The current structure dates to the Civil War era and is deteriorating. For the past several years, MaineDOT has been undertaking a feasibility study to improve or replace the existing bridge.
For the past 16 months, MaineDOT has continued to receive public and stakeholder input. The department has conducted an investigation of the former municipal landfill site and asked federal resource agencies, including the National Marine Fisheries Service, for clarifying information. Community stakeholders and landowners adjacent to the Middle River have repeatedly expressed concerns about the flooding that would be associated with a bridge alternative. This flooding would impact private property and the former landfill location. While MaineDOT realizes that some stakeholders may prefer a bridge alternative and tidal restoration, the department believes a fully gated culvert alternative will best meet the project's purpose and need. This alternative will improve the structure's condition, maintain the Sunrise Trail, provide for future rail use, and avoid flooding hundreds of acres of land.
MaineDOT will prepare a draft Environmental Assessment of the gated culvert alternative under the National Environmental Policy Act. The department intends to hold a public meeting on the draft Environmental Assessment in early 2024. This project should be entering the design phase by this time next year.
Additional project information is available at https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/machiasbridge/.
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News Release for November 6, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
MADAWASKA - The International Bridge that connects Madawaska, Maine to Edmundston, New Brunswick will be closed to daytime vehicle traffic for three days this week to accommodate paving work on the Canadian side. The land port of entry in Edmundston will be closed to vehicle traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. AST (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST) on Tuesday, November 7th; Wednesday, November 8th; and Thursday, November 9th. Pedestrian traffic will still have access to the bridge and the port of entry.
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News Release for November 3, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
OLD TOWN - The Maine Department of Transportation will be intermittently closing traffic lanes on the Llewellyn Estes Bridges that carry Stillwater Avenue over the Stillwater River in Old Town in the coming weeks. These lane closures are necessary to allow paving work on the approaches for the temporary bridge. There will be an alternating, single-lane traffic pattern during these closures. They will only happen between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from Monday, November 6th through Friday, November 17th. Each lane closure is not expected to last longer than two hours.
On-site construction work for the temporary bridge began on July 24th. Traffic is expected to begin using the temporary bridge by the end of April 2024. This temporary bridge will carry two-way vehicle traffic, a pedestrian sidewalk, and temporary utilities in preparation of the replacement of the existing bridge system.
Woolwich-based bridge contractor Reed & Reed, Inc. is working with MaineDOT through a Construction Manager/General Contractor design agreement to streamline design and construction activities for the replacement of the two Llewllyn Estes Bridges. The awarded amount for this first phase of construction is $10 million. Additional contracts will be awarded for future phases of the bridge replacement work. A contract for the nearby highway work was awarded to Gordon Contracting of Sangerville on June 29th for $10.9 million.
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News Release for November 2, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, November 14th, the Maine Department of Transportation will hold the third of three in-person stakeholder group meetings to assist the department in identifying and developing strategies to address highway mobility and transportation needs in northern Maine. This third meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center, located at 55 Bennett Drive. Members of the public are welcome to attend and provide comments.
In June, the Maine State Legislature passed, and Governor Mills signed into law, LD 607, Resolve, to Direct the Department of Transportation to Examine Improving Highway Connections from Interstate 95 to the St. John Valley. In accordance with that resolve, this stakeholder group consists of 11 members and includes representatives from local municipal offices, regional and statewide planning organizations, and local industry groups. This group will review past feasibility studies and recommend highway improvements that will improve safety, mobility, and economic opportunity in Aroostook County.
The first meeting of this stakeholder group was on September 18th in Madawaska. The second meeting was on October 12th in Fort Kent. A virtual meeting will be held on December 12th to review this group's work.
By the end of the year, MaineDOT will submit a final report that includes the findings and recommendations of the stakeholder group to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation.
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News Release for October 31, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
UPDATE: This work had been postponed from last month. It is beginning this week.
KITTERY - This week, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), in partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA), will begin testing the messaging components for the new dynamic part-time shoulder use (PTSU) system that was recently installed on I-95 between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine. This system was developed to help relieve congestion during peak traffic times on the I-95 Piscataqua River Bridge between the two states. Testing is scheduled to begin mid-morning on Wednesday, November 1st.
Daytime shoulder closures, both northbound and southbound, will occur intermittently over the next several weeks for final system testing. Motorists will see the system's messaging components (beacons and lane use signals) turn on and off at various times during the testing. Message boards will be utilized to alert travelers that tests are being performed. The shoulder lanes will remain closed to through traffic and should only be used for emergencies. A final press release will announce the date the system will become operational for motorists.
About the New System
Anyone who regularly travels along I-95 on summer weekends is familiar with the congestion that occurs at the Piscataqua River Bridge. To ease congestion on I-95 during peak travel periods, New Hampshire and Maine have agreed to allow the right shoulder of the road to be used as an open travel lane over the Piscataqua River Bridge and for several miles along each approach. This concept, known as dynamic part-time shoulder use (PTSU), can be turned on and off as traffic conditions require, using lane use signals to electronically indicate when the shoulder is open for travel. This informational flyer shows how the system works.
Over the past several months, New Hampshire and Maine have been installing several traffic control devices along the section of I-95 from New Hampshire's Exit 5 to Maine's Exit 3. There will also be warning signs with flashing beacons at the on-ramps approaching the system to alert merging traffic when the shoulder lane is open for travel and to use extra caution when merging into the highway. The system will be controlled by operators at the Transportation Management Centers (TMCs) in New Hampshire and Maine.
Designed primarily to reduce congestion and improve safety, the PTSU system will be used during peak congestion periods from May through October, during unplanned incidents, and as traffic conditions warrant.
Green Mountain Communications is the general contractor for this $9.4-million contract. This new system is expected to be operational this fall.
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News Release for October 25, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
LINCOLN COUNTY - The Maine Department of Transportation will be rehabilitating the Southport Bridge the movable bridge that carries Route 27 over the Townsend Gut at the Boothbay Harbor/Southport town line. Specifically, this work will involve replacing elements of the bridge structure, overhauling the electrical and control system, replacing mechanical equipment, and adding safety features.
Mobilization of the site started earlier this month. Construction work is scheduled to begin on October 30th. Crews will be on site, installing traffic control items in advance of the start of work. The anticipated project completion date is May 29th, 2025.
During construction, there will be an alternating single-lane traffic pattern on the bridge. There will be limited times when the contractor is allowed to close the bridge to vehicle traffic between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. to install mechanical equipment and perform functional testing of the bridge. Emergency vehicles will still be permitted to cross the bridge during these closures.
There will be two periods of time when the bridge will not be able to open to allow the passage of marine traffic. The first closure period is scheduled from this month to May 17th, 2024. The second closure period is scheduled from September 30th, 2024 to May 17th, 2025. The U.S. Coast Guard has implemented a safety zone around the work area effective from October 23rd, 2023 through May 17, 2024.
Pedestrian access to the bridge will not be restricted during construction.
The contractor on this project is Cianbro of Pittsfield. The contract amount is $20.9 million. This project was awarded a $7.64-million federal BUILD grant in 2020.
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News Release for October 25, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
ALBION - The Maine Department of Transportation is closing the Puddle Dock Bridge in Albion today after the structure failed a routine inspection. The bridge carries South Freedom Road over Fifteen Mile Stream. On an average day, approximately 400 vehicles use this bridge. Originally constructed in 1933, the bridge is scheduled to be replaced in 2025. The detour using state roads is approximately 12 miles long.
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News Release for October 19, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BRUNSWICK/TOPSHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be performing a bridge inspection of the Frank J. Wood Bridge on Tuesday, October 24th. This bridge carries Route 201 between Brunswick and Topsham. Because of the poor condition of the fracture critical Frank J. Wood Bridge, MaineDOT engineers inspect it every six months instead of the normal every 24 month frequency. Construction of a new bridge is currently underway.
This inspection work will impact traffic. Drivers should expect impacts between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Southbound traffic moving from Topsham to Brunswick will be able to cross the bridge. Northbound traffic from Brunswick to Topsham will be detoured to the Topsham Bypass and Route 196. In the event of bad weather, this work could shift to Wednesday, October 25th or Thursday, October 26th.
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News Release for October 18, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
KENNEBEC COUNTY - The Maine Department of Transportation and CSX are working to make safety improvements and improve track conditions at a railroad crossing on River Road in Benton and Clinton. This project will result in a safer crossing for vehicles. MaineDOT worked with CSX to secure Federal Highway Administration grant funding to help support these safety improvements.
This work will require the closure of River Road at the railroad crossing located north of Pleasant Drive in Benton from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21st until 5:00 a.m. on Monday, October 23rd. Vehicle traffic will be detoured over Route 100, Route 201, and Route 23.
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News Release for October 18, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
NORTH BERWICK - The Maine Department of Transportation and CSX are working to make safety improvements and improve track conditions at a railroad crossing on Route 4 in North Berwick. This project will result in a safer crossing for vehicles; it will also allow the Downeaster to travel at increased speeds. MaineDOT worked with CSX to secure Federal Highway Administration grant funding to help support these safety improvements.
This work will require the closure of Route 4 at the railroad crossing just south of Buffum Road from Saturday, October 21st to Monday, October 23rd. Vehicle traffic will be detoured using Routes 9 and 236. This project will also cancel several Amtrak Downeaster trips on Saturday morning. The cancelled trains are 691, 693, 694, and 698. Ticketed passengers are eligible to receive a refund and/or may be re-accommodated on operating trains by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
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News Release for October 10, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - On Thursday, October 12th, the Maine Department of Transportation will hold the second of three in-person stakeholder group meetings to assist the department in identifying and developing strategies to address highway mobility and transportation needs in northern Maine. This second meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m. in the Fort Kent Town Office, located at 416 West Main Street. Members of the public are welcome to attend and provide comments.
In June, the Maine State Legislature passed, and Governor Mills signed into law, LD 607, Resolve, to Direct the Department of Transportation to Examine Improving Highway Connections from Interstate 95 to the St. John Valley. In accordance with that resolve, this stakeholder group consists of 11 members and includes representatives from local municipal offices, regional and statewide planning organizations, and local industry groups. This group will review past feasibility studies and recommend highway improvements that will improve safety, mobility, and economic opportunity in Aroostook County.
The first meeting of this stakeholder group was on September 18th in Madawaska. The third in-person meeting will be on November 14th in Caribou. A virtual meeting will be held on December 12th to review this group's work.
By the end of the year, MaineDOT will submit a final report that includes the findings and recommendations of the stakeholder group to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation.
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News Release for September 26, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
This work was not finished last weekend. The Auburn park-and-ride lot will be closed from midnight to 2:00 p.m. this Saturday, September 30th to finish striping operations. In the case of bad weather, work will be moved to the following Saturday, October 7th.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE FROM 9-20-23:
AUBURN - The Auburn park-and-ride lot on Washington Street (Routes 4 and 202) will be closed this weekend to accommodate paving and striping work. This is the lot that is off Maine Turnpike Exit 75. The closure will run from midnight on Saturday, September 23rd through 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24th. If there is rain this weekend, the work will be moved to the following weekend. The Concord Trailways terminal will still be accessible during construction activities. The contractor for this work is St. Laurent & Sons of Lewiston. The contract amount is $80,000.
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News Release for September 25, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
UPDATE:
These daily closures will be extended through Wednesday, September 27th.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE FROM 9/18/23:
MADAWASKA - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the International Bridge in Madawaska to all traffic during daytime hours for several days to accommodate construction work associated with the new bridge. The closures are scheduled for September 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 25th. The closure times will be between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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News Release for September 20, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
STATEWIDE - The Maine Department of Transportation is working to install 44 new sidewalk ramps and make curb improvements in various communities. The new ramps are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The locations are Berwick, Falmouth, Kennebunk, Limerick, Mechanic Falls, North Yarmouth, and Waterboro. Work began on September 11th and is scheduled to be finished on December 9th. This work will involve sidewalk and lane closures. The contractor on this project is Coastal Road Repair of Westbrook. The contract amount is approximately $556,000.
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News Release for September 18, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WATERFORD - The Maine Department of Transportation is replacing a culvert on route 118 in Waterford. The project location is approximately 1.2 miles west of Hersey Road. Crews are replacing a pipe culvert with a box culvert. This replacement will have a better alignment with the stream and help fix an erosion problem. Construction began on September 5th and is scheduled to be finished on October 15th. Route 118 will be closed between Routes 35 and 37 between September 11th and September 26th. The contractor on this project is R.J. Grondin & Sons or Gorham. The construction contract amount is approximately $616,000.
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News Release for September 7, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation is convening an advisory stakeholder group to assist the department in identifying and developing strategies to address highway mobility and transportation needs in northern Maine. This group will review past feasibility studies and recommend highway improvements that will improve safety, mobility, and economic opportunity in Aroostook County.
"Aroostook County is a special place and a key element of our statewide transportation system in Maine," said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. "The members of this stakeholder group will examine northern Maine's transportation needs and work toward practical solutions aimed at improving connections, supporting economic development, and improving quality of life. We look forward to engaging with our partners in Aroostook County and spending some extra time in one of the most beautiful parts of our state this fall."
In June, the Maine State Legislature passed, and Governor Mills signed into law, LD 607, Resolve, to Direct the Department of Transportation to Examine Improving Highway Connections from Interstate 95 to the St. John Valley. In accordance with that resolve, this stakeholder group will consist of 11 members and include representatives from local municipal offices, regional and statewide planning organizations, and local industry groups.
This stakeholder group will have three in-person public meetings in Aroostook County in the coming months. The first meeting will be on September 18th at the Knights of Columbus Hall (172 Fox Street) in Madawaska. Additional meetings are scheduled for October 12th in Fort Kent and November 14th in Caribou. Exact locations of the second and third meetings are still being finalized. Each stakeholder meeting is scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The last hour of each meeting is reserved for public comments.
A virtual meeting will be held on December 12th to review this group's work. By the end of the year, MaineDOT will submit a final report that includes the findings and recommendations of the stakeholder group to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation.
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News Release for September 7, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SOUTH PORTLAND - The South Portland park-and-ride lot on the eastbound side of Samantha Smith Way (Highway 703) will be closed this weekend to accommodate paving and striping work. This is the lot that is off Maine Turnpike Exit 45. The closure will run from midnight on Saturday, September 9th through 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 10th. If there is rain this weekend, the work will be moved to the following weekend. The contractor for this work is Coastal Road Repair of Westbrook. The contract amount is $70,000.
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News Release for August 31, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SACO - The Maine Department of Transportation will be doing paving work and making other safety and drainage improvements along part of Route 1 in Saco. The project area begins just south of Cascade Road (Route 98) and extends north for approximately one mile to the Scarborough town line. Work is scheduled to begin on September 11th and end on October 20th. This will be day work, happening between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. During this time, traffic will be reduced to a single lane on the northbound side and a single lane on the southbound side. The contractor on this project is Pike Industries of Fairfield. The contract amount is approximately $1.3 million.
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News Release for August 28, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
ROCKLAND - On Friday afternoon, Maine State Ferry Service crew members aboard the Margaret Chase Smith rescued a kayaker in distress off Islesboro. One of the crew members involved in the rescue will be available to speak with reporters at 1:00 p.m. today at the Rockland Ferry Terminal, which is located at 517A Main Street in Rockland.
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News Release for August 24, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BANGOR - Penquis and Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP) are receiving $650,462 from the Maine Department of Transportation to improve transportation services across four counties. The funding is provided by the Federal Transit Administration to expand transit options for residents with limited or no transportation options.
Many Maine residents depend on public transportation providers for low-cost, reliable transportation services to access medical care, employment, and other needs. Current public transportation services are limited, however, and the lack of transportation can create barriers to improving economic opportunity, physical and mental health, and quality of life.
This discretionary federal funding comes from the Areas of Persistent Poverty Program - one of the several new discretionary grant programs included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The focus of this specific grant program is to leverage American ingenuity to build modern infrastructure that will benefit underserved communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Grant funds will support software and technology upgrades at Penquis and KVCAP. The two organizations are rural public transit agencies, providing transportation services for individuals in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Kennebec counties. Last year, Penquis and KVCAP served 7,850 people and provided 454,766 rides totaling 8.6 million miles.
"Maine's vast rural geography, our aging population, the high cost of owning a vehicle, and harsh winter weather all create a high demand for community transportation options," says Steven Richard, Penquis Transportation Services Director. "The grant will be used to develop and acquire software that will help expand our region's capacity to meet transportation needs into the future."
Penquis will work with HBSS Connect Corp. to enhance QRyde, a transportation management platform that uses a state-of-the-art Global Scheduling Engine (GSE). The software will increase operational efficiencies through the use of real-time data, enhanced scheduling and dispatching capabilities, and a fare card system to expand payment options for riders. The improvements will enable Penquis and KVCAP to expand capacity and increase the number of individuals accessing reliable, low-cost community transportation. Operational efficiencies will also reduce carbon emissions and minimize pollution, contributing to improved public health.
"Transportation is fundamental, and tough challenges exist in many parts of our mostly rural state," said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. "The team and MaineDOT are proud to work with our local and federal partners to secure funding that will help provide practical solutions to improve public transportation services for our customers in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Kennebec counties."
Penquis has nearly 40 years of experience providing transportation services. Richard says state-of-the-art technology such as HBSS QRyde GSE is essential to the future of transportation.
"We are creating a community transportation model that ensures resources are used to maximize public benefit," says Richard. "The new software capabilities will support a highly efficient system that minimizes costs, increases access to transportation for more people, and improves customer service."
For more information about transportation services available through Penquis and KVCAP, visit www.penquis.org and www.kvcap.org.
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ABOUT PENQUIS: Established in 1967, Penquis is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Maine families in becoming healthy, safe, connected, and financially secure. Penquis primarily serves individuals with low to moderate income in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties, with several programs extending Penquis's reach across the state. Penquis has more than 75 programs that promote high quality transportation, economic security, housing stability, school readiness and healthy lives. Penquis serves between 3,500 and 5,000 people on any given day and more than 30,000 Maine residents each year.
Additional Media Contact:
Renae Muscatell Community Relations Manager, Penquis (207) 949-4804 (call or text) rmuscatell@penquis.org
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News Release for August 22, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
OXFORD - The Maine Department of Transportation will be reconstructing the intersection of Route 26 and Skeetfield Road in Oxford. This project will create a new entrance to Skeetfield Road and a dedicated right turn lane for traffic heading east. On-site construction activities are scheduled to begin today. During construction, traffic on Skeetfield Road will be restricted to a single lane of alternating traffic between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Route 26. The anticipated completion date of this work is October 31st. The contractor on this project is Pratt & Sons, Inc. of Minot. The contract amount is $1.2 million.
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News Release for August 18, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
OLD TOWN - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the two Llewellyn Estes Bridges that carry Stillwater Avenue over the Stillwater River in Old Town on Tuesday, August 22nd. This is expected to be a one-day closure that will begin at 6:00 a.m. and end no later than 9:00 p.m. This closure is needed so contracting crews can safely install the crane that will be used to construct a two-lane temporary bridge upstream from the existing bridge this fall. Detour signs will direct traffic from Stillwater Avenue to Route 2A (College Avenue), Route 2 (Main Street), and Route 16 (Bennoch Road) before returning traffic to Stillwater Avenue.
On-site construction work for the temporary bridge began on July 24th. Throughout construction, drivers may encounter lane restrictions to accommodate the delivery of materials and equipment to the job site. Traffic is expected to begin using the temporary bridge by the end of April 2024. This temporary bridge will carry two-way vehicle traffic, a pedestrian sidewalk, and temporary utilities in preparation of the replacement of the existing bridge system.
In early 2022, MaineDOT advertised this bridge replacement project for construction bids. The bridge work was bundled with plans to improve the Bennoch Road (Route 16) and College Avenue (Route 2A) intersections. The low bid on this project was nearly double what the department had budgeted. For this reason, the department rejected all bids on the project and is now pursuing separate contracts for the nearby intersection and highway work and the bridge replacements.
In July 2022, the department imposed a 30-ton weight restriction on the northerly span of the two-bridge system that makes up the Llewellyn Estes Bridge.
Woolwich-based bridge contractor Reed & Reed, Inc. is working with MaineDOT through a Construction Manager/General Contractor design agreement to streamline design and construction activities for the replacement of the two Llewllyn Estes Bridges. The awarded amount for this first phase of construction is $10 million. Additional contracts will be awarded for future phases of the bridge replacement work. A contract for the nearby highway work was awarded to Gordon Contracting of Sangerville on June 29th for $10.9 million. On-site road construction work is expected to begin later this year.
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News Release for August 17, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
VINALHAVEN - An initial inspection of the Captain Richard G. Spear confirms that the hull was not significantly damaged during yesterday's grounding incident off Vinalhaven. The starboard rudder is bent, and the port rudder is missing. This missing rudder may be retrievable by divers given the location of the grounding. Both propellers are damaged. Pictures of the damage are available upon request.
The Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS) does not have an estimated cost of repair or timeline for the Spear to return to service. The Spear was already scheduled to be taken out of service next week for a routine U.S. Coast Guard inspection. It will remain at the Rockland Marine Corporation shipyard for repairs.
The Captain E. Frank Thompson and the Captain Charles Philbrook will operate scheduled ferry runs between Rockland and Vinalhaven until the Spear can return to service.
The MSFS employee who was captaining the Spear during yesterday's incident is a long-time MSFS team member who has experience making the run between Rockland and Vinalhaven.
As is standard with any grounding incident, the U.S. Coast Guard is investigating. The MSFS is cooperating with the investigation.
Original news release from August 16th:
VINALHAVEN - The Captain Richard G. Spear the Maine State Ferry Service vessel that runs between Rockland and Vinalhaven ran aground off the coast of Vinalhaven this morning. The Spear was pulling away from Vinalhaven shortly after 10:30 a.m. when it hit ledge. There were 65 passengers and five crew members aboard at the time of the grounding. No one was injured. The vessel returned to Vinalhaven to unload passengers. The Spear was taken to a private marina in Rockland, where it will be inspected. There does not appear to be any significant damage to the hull of the vessel. As is the case with any grounding incident, the U.S. Coast Guard is investigating. The Maine State Ferry Service is cooperating fully with that investigation. The Thursday ferry runs between Rockland and Vinalhaven that are normally performed by the Spear will be done by the Everett Libby.
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News Release for August 9, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
UPDATE: Route 17 will remain closed to traffic until at least Thursday morning. Crews are still working toward being able to open one lane to traffic.
TOWNSHIP E - Nearly one mile of Route 17 in Township E (between Byron and Rangeley Plantation) in Franklin County is closed because of damage from yesterday's intense rainfall. Maine Department of Transportation crews are on the scene and working to make repairs with the goal of reopening one lane of the road to traffic by the end of the day.
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News Release for August 1, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - Recharge Maine - the state's initiative to develop a statewide network of public, high-speed EV chargers - today announced planned awards of more than $6 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program funds authorized by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The planned awards will be used to support development of new chargers at seven sites in locations, such as grocery stores, shopping malls, and gas stations, spanning Bangor, Augusta, and the stretch of U.S. Route 1 between Ellsworth and Freeport.
Planned awards, and the associated locations for the chargers, will go to:
- Equilon Enterprises LLC (Shell); 322 Stillwater Avenue; Bangor
- Tesla, Inc.; 197 Civic Center Drive; Augusta
- ReVision Energy; 225 High Street; Ellsworth
- D&C Properties; 423 East Main Street; Searsport
- Tesla, Inc.; 75 Maverick Street; Rockland
- Irving Oil; 1555 Atlantic Highway; Waldoboro
- Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority; 11 Atlantic Avenue; Brunswick
Through a separate competitive solicitation to deploy funds from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan (MJRP), Recharge Maine also is announcing today awards to an additional five sites to extend the charging network along the most traveled routes to the Crown of Maine and to the eastern border with New Brunswick.
Awarded bidders using MJRP funds, and the associated locations for the chargers, are:
- Irving Oil; 1941 Medway Road; Medway
- Universal EV LLC; 282 North Street; Houlton
- True Upside Consulting; 5 Clark Siding Road; Ashland
- True Upside Consulting; 162 Houlton Road; Danforth
- Universal EV LLC; 103 Main Street; Machias
Both initiatives aim to have the awarded chargers in operation next year.
"This funding will help expand our state's EV charging network, reducing range anxiety for EV users who live, work, and travel in Maine," said MaineDOT Commissioner, Bruce Van Note. "Increasing electrification of vehicles will help improve our quality of life by reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector."
Today's announcement marks a major step forward in the state's plan to fill gaps and add capacity and reliability to Maine's public fast charging network, as contemplated in the Maine Plan for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment (PEVID) developed by the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) in July 2022. The department has contracted with the Efficiency Maine Trust (Efficiency Maine) to administer the initiative. Over the next several years, Maine will receive approximately $18 million from the NEVI Formula program to fund the development of the state's deployment plan. Currently, a total of 708 Level 2 community plugs and 216 DC high-speed charging plugs are publicly available in Maine. Consumers can find all of these charger locations using the charging station locator on the Efficiency Maine website.
"The sites selected through this competitive bid process will significantly improve the convenience of driving EVs throughout the state," said Michael Stoddard, executive director of Efficiency Maine. "This new infrastructure will give a big boost to the market for a new generation of cars and trucks in Maine."
"In Maine and across the country, President Biden's Investing in America agenda is building the backbone of our national network of EV charging stations that will ensure a seamless experience for drivers when they're charging up - similar payment systems, clear pricing information, interoperable connector types, and reliable charging speeds as we make the historic transition to electric vehicles," said Shailen Bhatt, Federal Highway Administrator. "With .federal investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Maine is taking a critical step forward as states across our nation begin deploying EV chargers for the communities they serve, and we are a proud partner with them in this shared project."
"Maine is leading efforts to build a future where everyone can ride and drive electric, starting with plans to electrify the vital I-95 and U.S. 1 corridors," said Gabe Klein, director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. "Maine's efforts are an excellent example of how states can work to advance equity by creating access to lower-cost electrified transportation that also reduces emissions in disproportionately impacted urban communities. Together, we're creating a national charging network that serves - and benefits - all Americans in their own backyards."
About Recharge Maine
Recharge Maine is a statewide initiative to expand the availability of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) on Maine's highways and within communities. Recharge Maine is guided by the strategies and priorities outlined in Maine's Plan for EV Infrastructure Deployment, approved by the FHWA in 2022 and available at https://driveelectric.gov/state-plans/. To date, the initiative has awarded funds for 395 charging ports at 136 locations throughout Maine. That includes 46 DC fast charge (DCFC) ports on the state's Alternative Fuel Corridors and 349 Level 2 (L2) publicly accessible community ports at businesses, municipalities, state agencies, multi-unit dwellings, and other public properties.
About the Maine Department of Transportation
The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is the office of state government charged with the regulation and maintenance of roads, rail, ferries, and other public transport infrastructure in the state of Maine.
About Efficiency Maine Trust
The Efficiency Maine Trust (Efficiency Maine) is the independent, quasi-state agency established to plan and implement energy efficiency programs in Maine. Through its suite of nationally recognized programs, Efficiency Maine provides consumer information, marketing support, demonstration pilots, discounts, rebates, loans, and other initiatives to promote high-efficiency equipment and operations that help Maines homes, businesses, and institutions reduce their energy costs and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. Visit www.efficiencymaine.com for more information.
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News Release for July 28, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BLUE HILL - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the Falls Bridge in Blue Hill to traffic from Tuesday, August 1st through Friday, August 11th. This closure is part of the ongoing construction to replace the bridge that carries Route 175 over the Salt Bond Outlet. Contractors will be mobilizing a second crane and setting girders and beams during this closure. Traffic will be detoured to Routes 175 and 172. Following this full closure, traffic will go back to using the on-site temporary detour bridge that has been constructed just west of the existing bridge.
On-site work to replace the Falls Bridge began in March 2022. The existing bridge had been in place since 1926. The concrete arch structure on stacked granite abutments is being replaced using the existing abutments and a concrete structure that will have arched facia panels on both ocean and salt pond sides. All work is schedule to be finished in June 2024.
The contractor on this project is Cianbro Corporation of Pittsfield. The contract amount is $9,456,460.00
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News Release for July 28, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
PORTLAND/SOUTH PORTLAND - The Maine Department of Transportation will be replacing the last of four span locks on the Casco Bay Bridge on Wednesday, August 2nd. This work will require a traffic restriction on the bridge. Vehicles weighing more than 25 tons (50,000 pounds) will not be permitted to cross the bridge between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. In the case of rain, this work will be pushed to Thursday, August 3rd. MaineDOT will also use message boards to alert drivers of the temporary weight restriction.
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News Release for July 27, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BIDDEFORD - The Maine Department of Transportation is assisting the City of Biddeford with emergency culvert repair work. The culvert was damaged during a storm on May 1st. This work requires the closure of the Biddeford Connector between Route 111 and Morin Street. Work began yesterday and is scheduled to continue through Friday, August 11th.
Detour routes are marked. Drivers exiting the Maine Turnpike at Exit 32 who want to access Route 1 should turn left and follow detour signs to Edwards Avenue. Drivers who want to access the Maine Turnpike from Route 1 should take Cole Road to Edwards Avenue and turn left onto Route 111.
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News Release for July 26, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BRUNSWICK/TOPSHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation has begun on-site construction on the project to replace the Frank J. Wood Bridge. The bridge carries Route 201 over the Androscoggin River between Brunswick and Topsham.
The existing bridge is more than 90 years old. It is fracture critical and rated in poor condition. Since November 2021, MaineDOT has prohibited all commercial traffic from using the current bridge. While bridges are normally inspected every two years, the Frank J. Wood bridge is inspected every six months to allow for more frequent analysis of its condition and the potential need for further traffic or weight restrictions.
The replacement bridge will improve safety and reliability for the surrounding communities. The new bridge will be located on a curved upstream alignment and will feature enhancements requested by a local design advisory committee. Designed to last for at least 100 years, the new bridge will have sidewalks on both sides (including pedestrian viewing bump-outs), wider shoulders on both sides, parks on both ends, special railings, lighting and other design details, and unobstructed views of the natural and architectural features of the surrounding Pejepscot Falls site.
Subject to inspections and restrictions of the existing bridge, the new bridge project is not expected to have any significant impacts to motorists until 2025. If the work proceeds as planned, all work associated with the construction contract is scheduled to be finished in late 2026, but the new bridge is expected to be open to traffic earlier than that.
The contractor on this project is Reed & Reed, Inc. of Woolwich. The contract amount is $49,869,767.
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News Release for July 25, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
CUSHING - Two Maine Department of Transportation employees were seriously injured at a job site in Cushing this morning. The workers were part of a crew that was retrieving sheet piles near the intersection of River Road and Pleasant Point Road. The incident happened at approximately 8:00 a.m. The workers were pinned between an excavator and a flat-bed trailer. Both workers were transported to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. They are currently in stable condition.
The safety of our employees and the traveling public is always MaineDOT's primary concern. The department has reported the incident to the Maine Department of Labor, which has jurisdiction over incidents at state job sites, and is working with the Knox County Sheriff's Office.
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News Release for July 25, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WATERVILLE/WINSLOW - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the Ticonic Bridge to all traffic from 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6th until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 12th. This is part of the ongoing work to replace the bridge, which carries Bridge Street (Routes 137 and 201) over the Kennebec River between Waterville and Winslow. During this closure, vehicle traffic will be detoured south to the Carter Memorial Bridge. Pedestrian traffic will be detoured north to the Two Cent Bridge.
While eastbound vehicle traffic will be allowed back on the bridge on Saturday, August 12th, westbound vehicle traffic will remain prohibited from the bridge for a period of approximately three years. This is being done to allow the contractor to build the upstream half of the new bridge. Westbound vehicle traffic will continue to be detoured south to the Carter Memorial Bridge. Pedestrian traffic will continue to be detoured north to the Two Cent Bridge until the upstream half of the new bridge is complete, which is scheduled to be in April 2025.
We understand that these detours are disruptive. We thank the traveling public for their patience and understanding while we work on this important project.
The current Ticonic Bridge's concrete arch dates to the early 20th century, when the bridge carried a trolley line. Other sections of the bridge were replaced in 1936 after a flood washed away the original steel truss. The bridge was further widened in 1970. The current bridge is more than 100 years old and has deteriorated to the point that the end of its useful life is near. Further attempts to repair or rehabilitate it will not restore the full integrity of the bridge to meet modern safety needs.
The new bridge is being constructed on the same alignment as the current one. The new structure will be a two-span bridge with a single concrete pier in the river. The bridge will be made of steel girders with a concrete bridge deck. Like the existing bridge, the new bridge will carry five lanes of traffic. The new structure will also feature widened shoulders and include sidewalks on both sides. Replacing the Ticonic Bridge with an improved structure that will provide long-term reliability will greatly enhance other infrastructure investments being made in Waterville by the city and Colby College.
The new Ticonic Bridge is scheduled to open to both eastbound and westbound traffic along with pedestrian traffic in September 2026. All contract work is scheduled to be complete by May 2027.
The contractor on this project is Cianbro of Pittsfield. The contract amount is $52.85 million. This project is the recipient of a 2020 Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for $25 million.
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News Release for July 14, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
YARMOUTH - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the southbound side of I-295 in Yarmouth during several overnight periods during the next two weeks to accommodate paving work. This is part of the project to replace the interstate bridges that carry I-295 over Route 1 near Exit 17 in Yarmouth.
The I-295 southbound closures will occur between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on the nights of Wednesday, July 19th and Thursday, July 20th. Similar closures will happen the following week from the night of Sunday, July 23rd through Thursday, July 27th. During these interstate closures, traffic will be detoured off I-295 at the Exit 17 off-ramp, across Route 1, and back onto the interstate at the Exit 17 on-ramp. Flaggers will be present to help direct traffic. Like all outdoor construction work, this schedule is dependent on the weather.
The contractor on this project is CPM Constructors of Freeport. The contract amount is $27,566,210. This project is the recipient of federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Competitive Highway Bridge Program. On-site construction work began in late 2021 and is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2025.
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News Release for July 13, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
PORTLAND - The Maine Department of Transportation is repainting two bridges on I-295 in Portland: Tukey's Bridge carries the interstate over Back Cove, and Franklin Bridge carries the interstate over Franklin Street. Crews will be removing the old paint from both bridges (stripping it down to the steel) and then reapplying three new coats of paint to each bridge. This routine maintenance work will help extend the lives of these critical bridges. This project will involve periodic overnight lane closures of I-295 while crews set up and break down their equipment. Pedestrians using the walking path under Tukey's Bridge may experience delays (no more than five minutes) while crews install equipment for painting the bridge. These pedestrian impacts are only expected during the first two weeks of the project and the last two weeks of the project. Work began this week and is scheduled to be finished in October or November. The contractor on the job is Saffo Contractors, Inc. from Wilmington, North Carolina. The contract amount on this project is $2,956,500.
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News Release for July 7, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
PORTLAND/SOUTH PORTLAND - The Maine Department of Transportation will be performing maintenance work on the Casco Bay Bridge next week. This work will require a traffic restriction on the bridge. Vehicles weighing more than 25 tons (50,000 pounds) will not be permitted to cross the bridge from Monday, July 10th through Thursday, July 13th. This restriction will be in place around the clock on these days. MaineDOT will also use message boards to alert drivers of the temporary weight restriction. Like all outside construction work, this schedule is weather-dependent.
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News Release for July 6, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
ANDROSCOGGIN AND OXFORD COUNTIES - The Maine Department of Transportation is doing paving work and making other improvements along parts of routes 4 and 108 in Livermore, Hartford, and Canton. The Route 4 project area begins north of Mangan Road in Livermore and extends north for three miles. The Route 108 project area begins at Route 4 in Livermore and extends north for 7.5 miles, ending in Canton. Driver may encounter single-lane, alternative traffic patterns. Work began on July 5th and is scheduled to be finished by September 21st. The contractor on this project is All States Asphalt of Richmond. The contract amount is $2,826,968.
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News Release for June 30, 2023
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WILTON - Maine Department of Transportation crews and contracting partners have been working since last night to respond to road washouts caused by yesterday's intense rainfall. This work will continue into the holiday weekend. The damage is especially severe along parts of Route 133 in Jay and Wilton. This road may remain closed for several days.
MaineDOT is working closely with MEMA and other appropriate state agencies to reopen these roads as soon as practicable. We appreciate the public's patience and understanding as our crews do this important work.
MaineDOT Director of Communications Paul Merrill will be holding a media availability at 3:00 p.m. today at the department's Region 3 office. The address is 932 U.S. Route 2 East in Wilton. MaineDOT expect to be able to provide pictures and drone video of some of the impacted areas.
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Have a Press Inquiry?
Contact Paul Merrill.
Phone: 207-624-3355 or 207-215-9297
Email: paul.merrill@maine.gov
Address: 24 Child St., Augusta, ME 04330
