News Release for November 9, 2007
For More Information:  John Rodrigue, 207-582-1438

PITTSTON ROUTE 126 PROJECT TO START ON TUESDAY

Contractors for the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) contractor have begun work on 2.6 miles of highway capital improvements in Pittston. This “collector highway improvement project” will complete a series of highway capital improvement projects conducted over the last several years on a more approximately 14-mile section of the Route 126 corridor, which runs from Route 27 in Pittston to Route 213 in Jefferson.

The overall scope of the construction project includes tree cutting, replacement of cross-culverts, utility pole relocations, driveway rehabilitations to the property lines, shoulder widening, pavement reclamation, pavement resurfacing, full reconstruction of some roadway sections to improve sight-distances, and installation of new guardrail. MaineDOT engineers anticipate that the project will be completed in September 2008.

The project location begins at the intersection of Route 27 and 126 in Pittston, and continues 2.6 miles easterly towards Whitefield.  Along the way, the project will pass a number of local intersections in Pittston, including School Street, Putnam Mobile Home Park Road, Webb Road, and Pinkham Road.

The roadwork, which is being performed by contractor Pratt & Sons of Minot, will continue into the fall while weather permits. The contractor is beginning construction with installation of new cross-culverts and underdrains, and performing utility relocations.  Construction activities next spring will involve reclaiming the existing pavement, preparing and rehabilitating driveway entrances, and finally, pavement resurfacing and reconstruction.

While the project is in progress, drivers may occasionally encounter alternating one-way traffic, and experience delays of as much as five minutes. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution at all times, and especially to be aware of flaggers and other construction personnel.

Editors: for more information, contact John Rodrigue by phone at 582-1438, or by e-mail at John.Rodrigue@maine.gov.

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