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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 08, 2013
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Turnpike, MaineDOT & State Police Urging Public to Heed Blizzard Warning
Agencies call for would-be motorists to avoid any non-urgent travel
PORTLAND, Maine – Due to heavy snow, strong winds and falling temperatures, the Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine State Police, Maine Department of Transportation and New Hampshire Department of Transportation are strongly urging all residents and visitors to avoid travel in the areas affected by the blizzard after nightfall. Deteriorating weather conditions, including poor visibility, slippery pavement and potentially damaging winds will create extremely hazardous travel conditions with possible whiteouts, and motorists are strongly urged to avoid non-urgent travel.
Emergency responders, including fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services and utility crews will need to assist with incident response and recovery efforts, provide security and other essential services.
“The Maine Turnpike and I-95 is in the unique position of being the only access point in or out of the state, and in many cases a vital path for necessary and urgent medical care and emergency response for many in remote locations,” said executive Director Peter Mills. “It’s very important we continue treating the highway to allow for safe passage,” Mills added. “Turnpike and MaineDOT crews are second to none when it comes to experience and expertise in managing winter storm events.”
Turnpike travelers who must travel can get up-to-date travel alerts and delay information by visiting MaineTurnpike.com, calling 1-800-675-PIKE (7453) and by following the Maine Turnpike on social media through Twitter and Facebook. Twelve web cameras which deliver snapshots updated every sixty seconds are also available for viewing on the Turnpike’s website, weather permitting.
Maine Turnpike maintenance crews are responsible for 665 lane miles of highway, 23 interchanges and 5 service areas from the state line in Kittery to the end of the Turnpike at Exit 109 in Augusta.
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