Media Advisory for: April 13, 2009

MAINEDOT CONTINUES LANE CLOSURES AND OFF-RAMP WORK ON I-295 BETWEEN BRUNSWICK AND GARDINER
Extended lane closures and off-ramp work to begin this week
ALL ramps to remain open

Beginning on Tuesday, April 14, the current left hand (passing) lane closure between Mile 29 and Mile 32 on I-295 Northbound in Brunswick will be extended approximately 1.2 miles south to just south of the Durham Road overpass near Mile 28. The lane will remain closed for the next few weeks until work begins on the right hand (travel) lane. The current right hand (travel) lane closure from the town line between Richmond and Gardiner to the Exit 49 on-ramp in Gardiner on I-295 Northbound will remain. The daytime lane closures on I-295 Southbound between Exits 49 and 31 will also continue, switching between the left hand and right hand lanes as work progresses.

Crack sealing work will begin on the exit 28 northbound and southbound off-ramps as well as the exit 31 off-ramp on I-295 Southbound. Depending on weather, the crack sealing is expected to take two days. Crews will then proceed to the Exit 37 off-ramp in Bowdoin and Exit 49 in Gardiner for additional crack sealing from this exit to the toll plaza in West Gardiner. This work will take one day, depending on weather. During this time, ALL ramps will remain open to through traffic.

This work is in preparation for the full closure of I-295 Northbound from Topsham to Gardiner on June 16th to allow for a rehabilitation of the road. Ongoing preparatory work will take place on both the southbound and northbound lanes of I-295 with several crews working north, south and on the future project site.

Motorists are advised to consider alternate routes or carpooling, especially during peak commuting times Motorists using the ramps are asked to use caution and be aware of construction personnel, equipment and changing traffic patterns.. When driving through these work zones, please be aware of changing traffic patterns, slow moving construction vehicles and construction personnel.

For more information and to sign up for e-mail alerts, go to www.mainedot.gov.

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