YARMOUTH. The Maine Department of Transportation unveiled plans today for multi-faceted highway improvement project that will have mapmakers redrawing the Exit 15 interchange for Interstate 295 and U.S. Route 1.
The Yarmouth project will provide new access to I-295 northbound from Route 1 and improve safety at the Exit 15 interchange by modifying and improving the existing ramp configurations. A new Park & Ride Commuter Lot will also be constructed as part of the project.
?We?ve already begun clearing trees and brush in the work zone, and our highway construction will begin in mid-March,? said MaineDOT Project Manager Ernie Martin. ?MaineDOT wants to notify drivers to be prepared for some changes in their daily commutes.?
Most significant of the changes will be a temporary closing of Exit 15 which connects I-295 northbound to U.S. Route 1 in Yarmouth. I-295 southbound?s Exit 15 off-ramp will remain open throughout the project.
Martin explained how safety considerations and construction efficiency led MaineDOT engineers to call for the closure. ?The first phase of the project calls for the blasting and removal of some 80,000 cubic yards of rock and bedrock. Even though the blasting episodes are over in seconds, we thought it best to divert traffic from the immediate area until that phase is completed.?
Martin added that modifying the off-ramp can also proceed more efficiently and safely without traffic.
MaineDOT suggests two alternative routes for northbound drivers headed for Route 1 in Yarmouth; Exit 10 to Bucknam Road and Route 1 in Falmouth and Exit 17 to Route 1 in Yarmouth. Prior to the closing of the Exit 15 off-ramp, crews will install temporary traffic signals at those locations to ensure that motorists can safely enter and exit Route 1.
?The good news is that our schedule has us finishing the rock removal process, removing the temporary traffic signals at Exits 10 and 17, and reopening the Exit 15 off-ramp in June,? Martin added. ?So the Yarmouth Clam Festival in July will not be impacted.?
The new Park & Ride Commuter Lot will accommodate 300 parking spaces. To date, there are 54 Park & Ride lots available to the public statewide. They provide safe, secure and convenient commuter facilities and encourage carpooling, vanpooling, and use of public transportation systems, thus reducing congestion and improving air quality.
MaineDOT works in conjunction with the Maine Turnpike Authority in administering the statewide program. For more information regarding the Park & Ride Commuter Lot Program, please visit the department?s website: http://www.exploremaine.org/parkandride/index.htm
MaineDOT awarded Shaw Brothers Construction of Gorham this $6.1 million project.
While highway work is weather dependent, MaineDOT estimates the project will be completed by the end of November.MaineDOT appreciates the patience of all drivers during this construction period, and also asks motorists to travel safely through all work zones.