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National Work Zone Awareness Week: April 9 - 13

Maine Turnpike Authority Logo FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2018
Erin Courtney
513-2982
ecourtney@maineturnpike.com
CONTACT: Dan Morin (MTA)
838-8613
dmorin@maineturnpike.com


Turnpike Officials Expect Upcoming Holiday Traffic to Begin Tomorrow

Authority anticipates an 1.4% increase in traffic over last year’s 4th of July travel

PORTLAND, Maine –  Although Independence Day falls during the middle of the week this year, the Maine Turnpike Authority is expecting holiday-like traffic to begin as early as tomorrow.  The Maine Turnpike Authority anticipates traffic to grow by approximately 1.4 percent over last year’s Fourth of July travel, with more than 687,000 expected along the Maine Turnpike between Friday and Saturday alone. 
 
From January through June 2018, the turnpike has seen a 3.65% growth in traffic compared to the same period in 2017.  2017 marked the busiest year in Maine Turnpike history. With heavy traffic expected on the road, the MTA is urging motorists to be aware of peak times, plan accordingly, and drive safely.
 
Motorists can expect traffic to be heavy northbound on Friday, beginning as early as 12:00 PM, with the peak hours between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.  Traffic on Saturday northbound is expected to be heavy between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.  Tuesday could also be another day with high traffic volumes as people arrive just before the holiday.  “Because the 4th of July falls on Wednesday this year, it changes the flow of incoming traffic and spreads out people’s arrivals. With that being said, we still expect it to be a busy week out on the road and urge motorists to drive safely and pay attention through work zones,” said Erin Courtney.
 
The MTA will be suspending construction related lane closures beginning on Tuesday that will remain in effect through Thursday.  “We are pausing our construction projects over the holiday to help motorists make it to their destination more easily and safely.  Motorists will still need to use caution as they drive through a number of  active construction projects out on the road,” said Courtney.
 

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