Maine Turnpike Authority - Turnpike Construction On Hold For Labor Day Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2013

Erin Courtney
513-2982
ecourtney@maineturnpike.com

Turnpike Construction On Hold For Labor Day Weekend

Drivers urged to plan ahead, stay alert, and expect the unexpected

PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Turnpike Authority is announcing suspension of ongoing construction activities and lane closures over the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. Approximately 950,000 toll transactions are expected to take place over what is normally one of the busiest travel weekends of the year in Maine.

The following existing work zones and restrictions will remain in place:

Exit 44 (South Portland, Downtown Portland): The northbound off-ramp is reduced to one-lane. Motorists can expect holiday weekend travel delays and are reminded that Exit 52 (Falmouth Spur) takes traffic directly to points north of Portland on I-295 including Yarmouth, Freeport, Brunswick and Topsham.
Exit 52 (Falmouth Spur): The southbound off-ramp to the Falmouth Spur for travelers coming from Gray, Lewiston, Auburn, Sabattus and Gardiner remains closed for bridge repairs until mid-November.
The Androscoggin River Bridge between Exit 75 (Auburn) and Exit 80 (Lewiston) is down to one-lane in both directions for bridge repairs.
Motorcyclists are urged to use caution on milled pavement between Exit 86 (Sabattus) and Exit 102 (Gardiner) in both directions. New pavement is scheduled for placement next week.

Motorists should, however, drive aware and “expect the unexpected” due to unscheduled lane closures from crashes and other unplanned events and use caution in areas where speed limits are reduced to enhance safety.

Each driver is responsible for highway safety and defensive driving. In addition to buckling up and never drinking and driving, motorists are urged to yield while merging, obey speed limits—especially at on and off-ramps and near toll booths—and follow other vehicles at a safe distance.

Before driving, holiday weekend travelers are encouraged to check for up-to-the minute travel alerts at MaineTurnpike.com or follow the MTA on Facebook or Twitter for timely updates and other Turnpike information.