Officials from the Maine Department of Transportation held a press conference today to announce the start of a new rehabilitation project for Tukeys Bridge northbound and the four overpasses immediately north of the bridge. The contract for this project was recently awarded to CPM Constructors.
North of Portland, Pike Industries is involved with mill-and-fill work and guardrail and drainage updates in both north and southbound of I-295 from Falmouth to Freeport. This work is expected to be completed sometime in July.
As a continuation of MaineDOT?s ambitious schedule from last year, crews from Lane Construction are working on bridge and overpass repairs and repaving on I-295 southbound from Tukeys Bridge to the Fore River Bridge.
At the press conference, Joyce Taylor, Director of Project Development for MaineDOT, stressed the importance of planning, plus the cooperation of the public, in minimizing congestion.
?I want to assure motorists that we learned some lessons last year that drove the design of our work and our traffic plans this year,? Taylor said. ?We?ve made every effort to make it simpler for motorists to travel safely and efficiently through work zones.
?We know that there will be backups in Portland during peak commuting times, most especially Friday evenings when tourists are trying to reach their destinations,? Taylor continued. ?To be successful, we need the cooperation of motorists more than ever.?
Noting the importance of I-295 to Maine?s tourism industry, Taylor suggested that local residents and businesses consider carpooling, seeking alternate routes, and modifying work hours in order to offer visiting motorists a less crowded I-295.
Speaking on the scope of the project, David Sherlock, MaineDOT Bridge Program Director, noted ?the improvements on I-295 in greater Portland represent an investment in infrastructure of nearly $24 million, and overall, our contactors tell us this means employment for 270 people.?Drivers on I-295 are advised to pay close attention to signage connected with the repair work especially signs indicating reduced speed zones. For more information 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.