PORTLAND, Maine -- Those bright-orange signs on the I-295 Northbound approach to Tukeys Bridge have an important, new message for drivers. Motorists who want to take Exit 9 onto Veranda Street must stay in the right-hand lane as the highway divides both left and right around a new, work zone lane closure.
As planned, construction crews have completed repairs on one lane, and have reopened the lane and closed off the next lane. Now that work has moved to the center lane of the bridge, drivers need to be aware that choosing to go left around the center lane closure means that their next exit opportunity will be three miles to the north at the Bucknam Road Exit 10 in Falmouth.
Tonight, if weather permits, on the southbound side of Tukeys Bridge, work crews plan to remove the center lane closure at Washington Avenue and establish a long-term lane closure to allow work on the bridge?s right side shoulder.
Looking ahead to the following weekend, the southbound on-ramp from Veranda Street onto I-295 Southbound will be closed on Friday, August 5 at 7 p.m. to permit the repair of a bridge joint on the St. Lawrence and Atlantic RR overpass on I-295 Southbound. The ramp is expected to be reopened on Monday, August 7.
MaineDOT reminds motorists that the shifting lanes and temporary on- and off-ramp closures associated with repair work on Interstate 295 continue to demand that travelers pay special attention to informational signs when approaching work zones?especially signs indicating reduced speed zones.
As the work on I-295 progresses, MaineDOT continues to stress the likelihood of traffic backups during commuting hours and suggests that commuters consider carpooling, taking the bus, and adjusting afternoon work schedules.
For more information, maps, and to sign up for email alerts, please go to mainedot.gov.
This effort is part of a substantial I-295 repair and improvement project that will be ongoing through the fall of this year. Roadway and bridge repair work has been structured to minimize the impact on motorists while improving the safety and enjoyment of traveling one of Maine?s most popular highways.
MaineDOT appreciates the patience of all motorists during this construction period, and also asks motorists to drive safely through all work zones.