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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2013
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Four Local Turnpike Bridges Closed for Rehabilitation
Local Motorists advised to seek and prepare to use alternate routes through fall
PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Turnpike Authority has closed four overhead bridges for rehabilitation work and safety upgrades. The bridges carry local traffic over the Turnpike and are scheduled to be reopened in early November, weather and possible unscheduled delays permitting.
- Blackstrap Road at mile 52 in Falmouth: The work includes concrete deck replacement, raising the bridge to increase the under clearance over the Turnpike, concrete substructure modifications, repairs and approach work. The $3.5 million contract was awarded to CPM Constructors of Freeport, and includes the ongoing Exit 52 Interchange Bridge Project. The bridge was closed Monday, June 17.
- Hurricane Road at mile 56.6 in Falmouth: The work includes new bridge wearing surfaces, deck repairs and raising the bridge to increase the under clearance over the Turnpike, concrete substructure repairs and approach work. The $800,000 contract was awarded to Scott Construction of Falmouth. The bridge was closed Monday, June 17.
- Snow Hill Road at mile 70.8 in New Gloucester: The project includes replacement and raising of the existing bridge superstructure to provide a minimum vertical clearance of 15'-6”, and repair of the existing abutments and piers. It also includes reconstruction of the bridge approaches to match the raised bridge structure. The $1.2 million contract was awarded to Wyman & Simpson of Richmond. The bridge was closed Thursday, June 20.
- Old Lisbon Road at mile 81.8 in Lewiston: The work includes concrete deck and steel girder replacement, raising the bridge to increase the under clearance over the Turnpike, concrete substructure modifications, repairs and approach work. The $1.5 million contract was awarded to Wyman & Simpson of Richmond. The bridge was closed Friday, June 14.
Electronic message boards are in place to give drivers advance notice of important project dates and restrictions. Detours are available for local traffic. The projects may cause occasional lane closures on the Maine Turnpike below the bridges, which will be limited to off peak times and be unlikely to impact traffic.
The bridge projects are the next phase of the MTA’s ongoing 30-year plan of major bridge rehabilitation and repair projects, which began in 1994. Nearly all of the 177 bridges on the Maine Turnpike were built between 1946 and 1955. Bridge rehabilitation and repair projects are determined by annual bridge inspections throughout the Turnpike.
For the latest in Turnpike project construction advisories and travel alerts any time, visit MaineTurnpike.com, or call 800-675-PIKE (7453). Updates and additional information are also available by following the MTA on Facebook or Twitter.
The Turnpike Authority reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit approaching work zones and plan for extra time to safely reach their destinations through alternate routes.