Bar Harbor ? MaineDOT and its contractors will suspend work on Route 3 for the 4th of July holiday.
Road construction will be shut down starting on Friday, June 29th and will resume on Monday, July 9th. The one-way detour loop will remain in effect throughout the holiday weekend, with traffic inbound to Bar Harbor and Route 3 and outbound detoured to Park Loop Road.
MaineDOT?s Rhobe Moulton stated, ?It?s important that we take steps to accommodate the increased traffic that comes with our Independence Day holiday. Pausing work during heavier holiday traffic times has been part of our plan, so we are prepared and happy to help make it easier for people to get where they are going over the 4th of July.? Moulton went on to say that the project is on schedule, and that the most recent work has involved continued drainage and waterline improvements, grading shoulders and slopes, and improving sidewalks and the entrance to Acadia Park Road.
MaineDOT wants to remind everyone that access to all businesses and attractions along Route 3 will be maintained throughout the summer. The Department says ample signage is in place to assist drivers and the one-way detour loop is well marked.
The reconstruction of Route 3 is progressing south of Crooked Road into Bar Harbor, to the endpoint at the intersection of Routes 3 and 233. The project is expected to be complete in the spring of 2019. When completed, the work will result in paved shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians, some new sidewalks will be constructed, and existing sidewalks will be upgraded to meet ADA standards. Safer crossings will be created utilizing electronic crossing signs. A new multi-use path will be constructed along part of the roadway. The intersection at Mt. Desert St. and West St. will be improved, as will overall drainage and runoff management.
MaineDOT encourages everyone to slow down and drive safely during the busy holiday period. Bar Harbor area residents, visitors and drivers can stay informed about the reconstruction of Rt. 3 by visiting mainedot.gov and by signing up for email alerts.