KITTERY - As work on the "Maine Ahead" project continues, drivers will begin encountering new traffic patterns near the Piscataqua River Bridge.
Beginning at 9:00 p.m. tonight (October 24th), crews will be closing the Exit 1 off-ramp on the northbound side of I-95. This ramp along with the southbound exit ramp (which has already been closed for several weeks) will remain closed until the bridge project is substantially complete. Our anticipated date for that substantial completion is October 2021.
Contractors have also closed the southbound right lane on the bridge. That lane will reopen at 2:00 p.m. on Friday (October 25th). A similar lane closure will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, October 28th and last until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1st.
The changes are required not only to help facilitate construction work but also to ensure the safety of our crews.
The best bet for through traffic is to stay on the interstate. Local traffic can use the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge as a detour.
The "Maine Ahead" work is being led by the Maine Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. The purpose of this project is to ensure safety and increase mobility for the millions of drivers who pass between Maine and New Hampshire every year. The latest information on this work is always available at www.buildingabettergateway.com and on the "Maine Ahead" Facebook and Twitter accounts.
We want to thank drivers and residents for their patience and understanding during this work. We know traffic changes can present inconveniences. We are doing our best to ensure the safety of our crews and, ultimately, improve travel for everyone who passes between our two states.