BAR HARBOR - On June 21st, the Maine Department of Transportation plans to end the one-way detour that has been part of the traffic management plan for the reconstruction of Route 3 in Bar Harbor. As long as the weather cooperates, the normal two-way flow of traffic will resume by the end of the work day on Friday. The one-way detour loop has been in effect during most of the active months of the project. This approach was chosen to minimize the congestion that can occur when two-way traffic is impacted by lane closures.
Senior Project Manager Rhobe Moulton said, "This week, with paving complete, we've been painting striping and traffic symbols along the entire length of the project. Crews have been seeding and mulching loamed areas, and weve been working on the landscaping near the West Street intersection." Moulton added that construction and detour signage will be removed along the project and the Park Loop Road.
With these steps and with only some final finishing touches remaining MaineDOT and its contractors will meet the goal of completing the reconstruction of Route 3 in June and prior to the start of the busy summer travel season. The benefits of this project include:
- Paved shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians
- Several new sidewalks and sidewalk improvements to meet ADA standards
- Safer crossings with electronic crossing signs
- A new multi-use path along part of the project span
- Where possible, a three-foot-wide esplanade added between sidewalk/multi-use path and the road
- New bus turnouts
- New rock catchment area along the bluffs
- Upgraded intersection of Mount Desert and West Streets
- Improved drainage and runoff management
- New road surface and striping
MaineDOT appreciates the partnership with community and business leaders in the careful planning for this project. Throughout the reconstruction of Route 3, access to businesses and residences was maintained, and MaineDOT encouraged Bar Harbor area residents and drivers to stay informed by visiting MaineDOT.gov and by signing up for email alerts. MaineDOT and its contractors also thank drivers for their cooperation and safe driving in the work zones of this project.