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Turnpike Clear Zone Safety Improvement Project Underway

Maine Turnpike Authority Logo FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2014
Erin Courtney
513-2982
ecourtney@maineturnpike.com
CONTACT: Erin Courtney 
(207) 513-2982
ecourtney@maineturnpike.com


Turnpike Clear Zone Safety Improvement Project Underway

Project goals play a critical role toward improving safety and saving lives

PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Turnpike Authority is again working to implement effective strategies to improve traveler safety by reducing traffic related injuries and fatality rates.
 
Crews are removing trees, brush and debris from the roadside, northbound and southbound between mile 51 in Falmouth and mile 63 in Gray. The goals of Turnpike clearing projects are to improve highway safety by removing fixed object hazards for times when vehicles leave the roadway, to aid in snow and ice removal by reducing shading and increasing driver reaction times when wildlife attempts to cross travel lanes. Vegetation is being removed to approximately 55 feet from the edge of pavement on both sides.
 
Historically, crash rates on the Maine Turnpike are lower than those on other Maine Interstates and below the national average for Interstate highways. Fatality rates are also significantly lower.
 
Environmentally, crews are paying special attention to nearby streams, wetlands and area homes. Additionally, nearly all of the wood ends up harvested as biomass to be later used for electrical power.
 
This current project is being conducted by Drew Corporation from Center Lovell, Maine for approximately $260,000 and is scheduled for completion in May of 2014
 
Visit MaineTurnpike.com for more information on Turnpike projects and weekly construction advisories and lane closure reports. Motorists can also sign up to receive travel alerts by email and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for timely travel alerts and additional Turnpike information.
 
 
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