The Cost to Build

The Interstate Highway System represented a huge outlay for the nation and a great acceleration in highway building for Maine.

• Although 90 percent funded by the federal government, the actual construction of the Interstate in Maine was not directed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).  The planning, design, and construction were all done by the Maine State Highway Commission.
  
  
• Only one-half of one percent of the total money allocated by Congress for the Interstate system for the whole United States was given to Maine.
  
  
• It cost Maine approximately $500 million to complete the current Interstate mileage within Maine.
  
  
• The stretch from the Maine Turnpike connector to Tukey's Bridge in Portland (I-295) was originally budgeted to cost $35 million (1960 dollars). Because of the sand drains that had to be installed, the final cost was $75 million.

This page last updated on 7/17/06