Augusta - This Thursday, February 15th, MaineDOT plans to return the Augusta Exit 109 interchange on Western Avenue back to its original configuration. The transition from the current temporary access at Whitten Road will be done in phases to ensure continuous access to I-95 southbound from Western Avenue.
After Thursday morning?s commute, the southbound Exit 109A off-ramp will be closed. As was the previous detour, all southbound traffic heading to Augusta downtown or the Capitol Area should take Exit 113, Exit 112 or Exit 109B. Those taking Exit 109B must use the reverse direction loop at Edison Drive.
Later in the morning, the original southbound I-95 on-ramps on Western Avenue will be reopened and the temporary access at Whitten Road will be closed.
By Thursday evening, all ramps will be restored to their original configuration and open to all traffic.
This project was finished early despite the challenging winter conditions. We thank the public for their patience while the bridge was being replaced.
When warmer weather returns, workers will complete final paving and other planned work that should cause minimal traffic disruption.
On October 3rd, 2017, a MaineDOT maintenance worker discovered the south exterior beam of the Ramp F Bridge had been struck by a vehicle causing significant damage.
MaineDOT has been investigating what may have caused this damage with little success. Anyone with any information is asked to call MaineDOT?s Legal Division at (207) 624-3020.
As part of replacing the superstructure, there is an increase of the ?under clearance? by over a foot to reduce the potential of future impacts and to be consistent with the clearances achieved with recent bridge projects over Interstate 95.
MaineDOT will also be installing an over-height load warning system to protect other bridges, such as the overpass carrying Western Avenue over I-95.