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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 03, 2016
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TRAVEL ADVISORY: Turnpike Traffic to Shift in Lewiston
Shifting of Turnpike Traffic in Lewiston to Occur Sunday through Wednesday
PORTLAND, Maine – The shifting of Turnpike traffic in Lewiston to the new bridge recently constructed as part of the ongoing Exit 80 interchange project will start Sunday night and be completed in phases over four days, weather permitting. To minimize traveler impacts, the work will occur at night or during lower volume daytime hours. The current plan is as follows.
Sunday Night (1/3/16, 10:00 PM) to Tuesday Morning (1/4/16, 5:00 AM)
· All Northbound and Southbound traffic on the Turnpike will be diverted down the off-ramps, cross the Alfred Plourde Parkway, and re-enter the Turnpike via the on-ramps.
· This will allow the relocation concrete barriers from the Northbound to the Southbound Turnpike lanes.
· By 5:00 AM Monday, through traffic in both directions will resume on the Turnpike. Southbound traffic will be using the new bridge. Northbound traffic will still be on the old bridge for one more day.
Monday Night (1/4/16, 10:00 PM) to Tuesday Morning (1/5/16, 5:00 AM)
· Northbound and Southbound Turnpike traffic will again be diverted down the off-ramps, cross the Alfred Plourde Parkway, and re-enter the Turnpike via the on-ramps.
· This will allow for the continued relocation of concrete barriers, prepare a median crossover for Northbound traffic, and allow for relocation of traffic control devices.
· By 5:00 AM Tuesday, through traffic in both directions will resume on the Turnpike. Both Southbound and Northbound traffic will be using the new bridge. Northbound traffic will be using the median crossover.
Tuesday (1/5/16, 10:00 PM) to Wednesday (1/6/16, 5:00 AM)
· Northbound Turnpike traffic only will likely again be diverted down the off-ramps, cross the Alfred Plourde Parkway, and re-enter the Turnpike via the on-ramps.
· This will allow for the continued relocation of traffic control devices such as delineators.
· By 5:00 AM Wednesday, through traffic in both directions will resume on the Turnpike.
Wednesday (1/6/16, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
· Turnpike traffic will be stopped in 8 minute intervals to allow for the painting of striping and other pavement markings. This work requires the higher temperatures of daylight hours.
Travelers seeking to get on or off the Turnpike at Exit 80 will still be able to do so at all times during this changeover process, although they may experience some delays. To make the changeover as smooth as possible, portable electronic message signs will provide advanced warning to Turnpike motorists and State Troopers will utilized to divert Turnpike traffic.
The Maine Turnpike Authority appreciates motorists’ patience and understanding during this work. It is part of the second phase of a $23 million, three phase project that is scheduled for completion in 2017.
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