Augusta ? Today, November 13th, the Maine Department of Transportation unveiled highway signs that dedicate I-295 from the Scarborough toll plaza to the West Gardiner toll plaza as the Richard A. Coleman Highway.
Richard Coleman has been employed at MaineDOT since 1956, and was Chief Engineer when the nation?s interstate system was created. Richard played a key role in its construction here in Maine and continued to contribute greatly on various projects through the years including the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.
Earlier this year, the Maine House of Representatives approved a bill to designate the highway, sponsored by Senator Roger Katz (R-Augusta), as the Richard A. Coleman Highway.
?Richard Coleman has been an integral part of MaineDOT for decades,? said MaineDOT Commissioner David Bernahrdt. ?Dick hired me in 1984 as an engineer here, and I have been so proud to have watched and learned from a true professional,? concluded Bernhardt.
Richard now works in MaineDOT?s legal department as well as being a liaison with the public who may be impacted by various projects.