News Release for May 14, 2008
For More Information:
Shawn Smith, Project Manager - (207) 624-3504
Herb Thomson, MaineDOT Office of Communications - 624-3030

Western Avenue Paving to Begin, Lane Closures Planned in South Portland

MaineDOT is advising South Portland drivers that paving will begin on the now-widened Western Avenue on Friday, May 16, weather permitting. Lane closures will be necessary and traffic will be restricted to 2 lanes, creating the possibility of delays. All traffic may be halted for brief periods as the intersection of Western Avenue and Foden Road is paved. The paving work is expected to continue daily (except on Sunday) through May 21, and will be extended if progress is slowed by inclement weather.

Improvements to Western Avenue are nearing completion, and have included the widening of the road to 2 lanes in each direction with a new center turning lane. New sidewalks and granite curbing have been installed, and underground utilities were improved. Paving is one of the final steps, and will take place between Maine Mall Road and Gorham Road. The project will be wrapped up after striping and the final installation of lighting and signs. Completion is projected by mid-June.

The project is one of several roadway improvements in the Maine Mall Area, including the construction of a new entrance to I-295 at Exit 3. Projects that have already been completed include the reconstruction of Payne Road Bridge, improvements to the intersection of Westbrook Street and Western Avenue, improved turning lanes at Maine Mall Road and Gorham Road, and the construction of the Jetport Plaza Road. Additionally, MaineDOT is improving the intersection of Spring Street and County Road in Westbrook with the addition of turning lanes in all directions.

Information on these and other MaineDOT construction projects is available online at
www.mainedot.gov. Drivers may sign up for email alerts, and read updated construction
schedules.

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