|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2016
|
|
Steady Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Expected on Turnpike
PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Turnpike Authority expects plenty of traffic over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, which marks Maine’s unofficial start to summer vacation season. Turnpike officials are expecting the steady growth in traffic seen in 2016 to continue over the Holiday weekend. Approximately 930,000 vehicles are predicted to travel the turnpike this Friday through Monday, with Friday seeing the heaviest volumes between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM northbound. Monday will be especially busy at the York Toll Plaza southbound when more than 55,000 vehicles are expected to depart the state, with the heaviest between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Service Plazas at all five locations on the Turnpike will be open to travelers in time for the Holiday weekend. The Gray and Cumberland Service Plazas have been closed for renovations since March 21, 2016 and will reopen on Friday with limited services southbound. Food, fuel and restrooms will be available northbound in Gray. However, only fuel and restrooms will be available southbound in Cumberland. The Burger King at this location is expected to open in late June.
In honor of Memorial Day, the Authority would like to remind people that the Maine Turnpike is designated the Gold Star Memorial Highway to commemorate the valor and sacrifice of those who died in service to our country. The Gold Star was worn by American mothers instead of conventional mourning clothes during World War I. The display of gold star banners in homes began in World War II and it is a tradition that has been carried through every war thereafter. The Maine Turnpike was designated the Gold Star Memorial Highway in 1965 by Governor Reed.
Peter Mills, Executive Director said, “As you travel the turnpike this weekend, please take a moment to remember the Maine heroes who gave their lives for our country.”
# # #