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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 07, 2026 |
The Maine Turnpike’s commitment to safety was tested this winter during a cold and active winter season. While Maine has seen winters with more total snowfall, the combination of historically low temperatures and continual back to back storms created difficult conditions for our crews.
Many people think of the Turnpike as a single 109‑mile roadway from Kittery to Augusta. In winter operations, however, what matters is lane miles. With multiple travel lanes, shoulders, interchange ramps, toll plazas, and 5 service plazas, the Turnpike maintains 712 lane miles during snow and ice control operations. Each plow pass covers only a fraction of that distance, making storm response far more complex than simply plowing from one end to the other.
To manage snow and ice control operations, the Turnpike is supported by 7 maintenance locations, each responsible for the stretch of highway closest to their location. Every location has its own salt storage building and 6 locations have salt brine production systems. 3 of the 6 locations have equipment repair facilities staffed by mechanics during storms to ensure equipment is always operational. This structure ensures that crews can respond quickly and effectively as conditions change. It’s one of the reasons the Turnpike is recognized as Maine’s safest interstate—its winter operations are intentionally engineered for efficient snow removal and safety.
Our teams are also supported by technology that provides real‑time data. Subsurface and above‑ground pavement temperature sensors help crews understand exactly what the pavement temperature is which allows for more precise treatment decisions. This technology even caught the attention of national news desk of The Weather Channel, which featured Maine Turnpike’s approach on broadcasts across the country.
Long before a storm begins, the men and women responsible for keeping the Turnpike safe are at work preparing, monitoring conditions, and positioning equipment so travel can resume quickly and safely. Many of our staff typically work daytime schedules, yet throughout the winter they transition without hesitation to long overnight shifts. They climb into plow trucks and heavy equipment while much of the state is asleep. When temperatures fall and it snows heavily, every aspect of the job becomes more difficult: equipment requires extra care, visibility can be poor, and safety demands constant attention.
For every storm, MTA staff stay focused on helping Mainers get where they need to go—teachers returning to classrooms, nurses reaching their patients, and emergency responders traveling safely during storm‑related calls. Work does not end when the snow stops. In the days that follow a storm, crews widen shoulders, clear toll and service plazas of snow, and manage drifting snow. Equipment is maintained and repaired to make sure it is ready for the next storm.
"We are deeply grateful for the dedication shown by our highway maintenance crews, mechanics, electricians, supervisory and support staff," said John Cannell, chief operations officer. "Their willingness to work long hours in harsh conditions keeps the Maine Turnpike safe and reliable even in the worst weather. Much of their work happens out of sight, but its impact is felt by every traveler who depends on this roadway."
Cannell, who was promoted to Chief Operations Officer in March, expressed deep appreciation to everyone who operated a plow, repaired equipment in the cold, monitored weather conditions, kept facilities running, or supported winter operations in any way. “Your dedication keeps Maine moving, even in the most challenging moments the season brings.”