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Exit 52 Southbound Off-Ramp to Falmouth Spur Re-opening Delayed

Maine Turnpike Authority Logo FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2013
Erin Courtney
513-2982
ecourtney@maineturnpike.com
CONTACT: Dan Morin (MTA)
838-8613
dmorin@maineturnpike.com


Exit 52 Southbound Off-Ramp to Falmouth Spur Re-opening Delayed

Unexpected project delays will move completion to late December

PORTLAND, Maine – Construction delays have pushed back the reopening of the southbound off-ramp at Exit 52 to the Falmouth Spur. The off-ramp was closed in May to complete major repairs of the 60 year-old bridge between the off-ramp and the Falmouth Spur.
 
The project was scheduled for completion in November but the bridge is now expected to reopen in late December, weather permitting.
 
Turnpike officials said construction crews need extra time to complete major bridge repair work, which included increasing the bridge under clearance, repairs to the bridge’s steel superstructure, partial replacement of the concrete bridge deck under the pavement, and replacement of the bridge railings.
 
“Unfortunately, this does happen on some projects,” said Dan Morin, public relations manager for the Turnpike Authority. “Even after all the initial field work, planning and civil engineering, construction crews later found more structural damage and breakdown which needed greater attention and more work.” The project contractor has been working double shifts to complete the project as soon as possible.
 
The Maine Turnpike Authority does not take the issue of project delays lightly. Project managers know they have an impact on drivers and sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding.
 
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