HOLDEN - The Maine Department of Transportation will be working to improve the safety of Route 1A (Main Road) in Holden by adding a two-way left-hand turn lane along two stretches of the road. Crashes have been happening in this area when drivers slow down to make left-hand turns and are hit from behind by drivers who are distracted, impaired, or unaware of slowing traffic. The goal of adding a center lane for left-hand turns is to reduce the frequency and severity of such crashes. The work being done will also help preserve the pavement. There are two work areas on this project. One begins one mile east of Charles Drive and extends east for one mile to Bagaduce Road. The other begins a half-mile southeast of Debeck Road and extends southeasterly for three-quarters of a mile to Copeland Hill Road. Work will begin at 7:00 p.m. on July 21st. All work will be done between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Drivers should expect traffic to be reduced to one lane during work hours. The anticipated completion date of this project is September 19th. The contractor on this job is Pike Industries of Fairfield.