News Release for February 29, 2008

For More Information:
Glen Philbrook , 592-7819
Mark Latti, MaineDOT Office of Communications, 624-3030

MaineDOT Urges Drivers to Seek Alternate Routes Near Construction Area

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is urging motorists to seek alternate routes to the I 95 off-ramp on Broadway ( Exit  185) as backed up traffic in the area is causing delays

Area commuters have recently expressed concerns that southbound traffic using the off-ramp on Broadway Exit 185 is congested during the afternoon rush hour—3:30 – 5:30 pm— and stopped traffic is extending back into the driving lanes on I-95.  

To alleviate this problem, MaineDOT is working with Bangor’s City Engineers and CPM Constructors to install sensors on the Broadway Southbound off-ramp to help move more traffic through the ramp during periods of heavy use.  The department is also placing warning signs in the southbound lane between the Stillwater on-ramp and the Broadway off-ramp. The recommended southbound alternate route to reach Broadway is clearly marked beginning at the Hogan Road (Exit 187) off-ramp.

Last August, MaineDOT began a comprehensive set of roadway improvement projects for the 1-95/1-395 corridor in Bangor designed to improve traffic flow, enhance driver safety and convenience, and to support continued economic growth in greater Bangor and Maine.   The projects are scheduled to be complete later this year.

MaineDOT urges drivers  to plan ahead and expect traffic delays while the bridge is being built, and  to drive safely and courteously through  construction areas and neighborhoods being used as alternate routes.