PORTLAND, Maine ? MaineDOT officials advise motorists that shifting travel lanes and temporary on- and off-ramp closures associated with repair work on Interstate 295 will mean that travelers should pay special attention to informational signs approaching the work zone.
?We are shifting our closed lane on Tukeys Bridge southbound to the center lane which will require advanced decision making for drivers who want to access the Exit 9 off ramp,? said David Sherlock, MaineDOT Bridge Program Manager. ?As a safety precaution, the contractor will install fixed, centerline delineators which will split I-295 into two separate lanes starting about one mile before the bridge.?
?The critical point to remember is that drivers who want to exit the highway at Exit 9 onto Baxter Boulevard will have to keep to the right at the lane split,? Sherlock emphasized.
Night work is also set to begin on I-295?s Franklin Street, Preble Street, and Forest Avenue overpasses. When night work is under way, the following ramps will close from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. and detours established:
? I-295 southbound on-ramp from Franklin Street. Detour left onto Marginal Way, right onto Forest Avenue, and right onto the I-295 southbound on-ramp.
? Exit 6A (Forest Avenue) off-ramp from I-295 southbound. Detour to Exit 6B, turn right onto Forest Avenue, right onto Baxter Boulevard, left onto Preble Street, and left onto Forest Avenue.
? I-295 southbound on-ramp from Forest Avenue outbound. Detour right on Baxter Boulevard, left on Preble Street, left onto Forest Avenue, and right onto the I-295 southbound on-ramp.
The ramps will reopen by 6 a.m. the following morning.
All work is weather dependent and will not be undertaken if there is rain.
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 work schedules.
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, 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.