News Release for November 6, 2008
For More Information:
Mark Latti, Office of Communications - 207-624-3030

Temporary signals removed, Route 136 section reopened to two-way traffic

MaineDOT crews reopened a section of Route 136 in Auburn to two-way traffic earlier today. Motorists had been restricted to alternating one-way traffic regulated by signal lights since late September when a section of the riverbank between Route 136 and the Androscoggin River collapsed into the river.

MaineDOT crews were able to stabilize the riverbank that borders that section of Route 136 just north of the Durham/Auburn town line. Crews have been working since Monday stabilizing the bank with a large amount of rock. A temporary travel lane was added by MaineDOT to the existing roadway, allowing for two twelve-foot lanes for travel. Concrete jersey barriers separate the damaged roadway from the travel lanes. Crews from MaineDOT will continue to monitor this section of the road to ensure that there is no further damage.

On September 24, MaineDOT was notified that a section of the riverbank between Route 136 and the Androscoggin River had collapsed into the river. In a span of two days, MaineDOT crews built a temporary travel lane alongside the stable travel lane on this section of Route 136 and closed the damaged portion.

Route 136 connects Auburn and the Freeport/I-295 area and approximately 4,000 vehicles travel this road each day. The temporary lane is approximately 500 feet north of the Durham town line in Auburn.

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