Augusta ? As power crews continue to bring residents and businesses back online, MaineDOT continues to clear debris from state roads and railroads. Where these two efforts intersect is when there are trees and brush entangled in power lines. MaineDOT crews cannot clear the brush or power lines from a roadway until CMP has determined the line and area are safe. Even if a line is disconnected from a pole it may be fed from residential generators or other sources.
While these traffic cones and safety barriers are in place to alert the public, there have been instances where individuals have moved these cones and barriers to better access a roadway. Moving these safety items is very dangerous for you and for the next traveler that may not be alerted to the hazard due to this action.
Traveling over downed power lines and/or moving barriers gives a false sense of security and can lead to unwanted outcomes.
We know there can be frustration with the lack of power and detours that are in place. However, please take these safety measures seriously for everyone who travels an area with downed power lines.
As the CMP television ad said, ?No line is safe to touch?ever!? MaineDOT would add that no line is safe to travel over as well.
Let?s all do our part in keeping traffic cones and barriers in place for everyone?s safety.