PORTLAND, Maine -- Starting this Sunday, August 21, construction work on I-295 in both Portland and Freeport will require a string of on- and off-ramp closures between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. at five exits in Portland and two in Freeport. This series of ramp closures should end by early Friday morning, weather permitting.
The following schedule details the planned ramp closings:
Sunday, August 21
Exit 1 I-295 Southbound off-ramp ? the last exit before the Maine Turnpike Toll Plaza ? Use Exit 3. Turn right onto Westbrook Street.
Exit 6A I-295 Southbound on-ramp ? Use outbound Exit 6B Southbound on-ramp from Forest Avenue or Exit 7 southbound on-ramp.
Exit 20 I-295 Northbound on-ramp ? Use Exit 22 (Mallett Drive) on-ramp.
Monday, August 22
Exit 2 I-295 Southbound off-ramp ? Use Exit 3. Turn left and follow Westbrook Street to Main Street (Route 1).
Exit 5A I-295 Southbound off-ramp ? Use Exit 3. Turn left onto Westbrook Street and follow signs to I-295 North and take Exit 5.
Exit 5B I-295 Southbound on-ramp from Park Avenue ? Take next left onto Fore River Parkway and follow signs for I-295 Southbound. Note: Exit 5B on-ramp and Exit 5A on-ramp will not be closed at the same time.
Exit 5A I-295 Southbound on-ramp from Fore River Parkway ? Continue South on Fore River Parkway, turn right onto Veterans Bridge, and follow signs for I-295 South. Note: Exit 5B on-ramp and Exit 5A on-ramp will not be closed at the same time.
Exit 20 I-295 Northbound on-ramp ? Use Exit 22 (Mallett Drive) on-ramp.
Exit 22 I-295 Northbound off-ramp ? Use Exit 20 (Desert Road) or Exit 24 (Route One)
Tuesday, August 23
Exit 22 I-295 Northbound on- and off-ramps ? Use Exit 20 (Desert Road) or Exit 24 (Route One)
Wednesday, August 24
Exit 22 I-295 Northbound on-ramp ? Use Exit 20 (Desert Road) or Exit 24 (Route One)
Thursday, August 25
Exit 22 I-295 Northbound off-ramp ? Use Exit 20 (Desert Road) or Exit 24 (Route One)
All of this work is weather-dependent; the schedule will shift to the next available evening if the weather turns too wet.
Over the following weekend, there will be no construction activities from 6 a.m. Friday, August 26 until 8 p.m. Monday, August 29 in order to accommodate vacation traffic and vehicles headed to and from the Great State of Maine Air Show being held at the Brunswick Executive Airport.
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.