The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) have decided to permanently close to motor vehicle traffic the 76-year-old Sarah Mildred Long Bridge connecting Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine. This action follows a mechanical failure of the lift bridge on Sunday, August 21.
Hiram ? Crews will be fog and crack sealing the pavement on Route 5 through the towns of Hiram, Brownfield and Fryeburg beginning on Monday, August 29th.
The project will start on Route 5 at the Saco River Bridge and extend northerly for 13.43 miles to the intersection of Route 302.
Motorists are advised of alternating one-way traffic controlled by flaggers through the work zones.
It is anticipated this pavement preservation work will be completed by October 8th, 2016.
All States Asphalt of Windham will perform this $1.2 million project.
Limerick/Cornish ? Crews will be paving on Route 5 in Limerick and Cornish beginning on Monday, August 29th.
The project begins 0.41 of a mile south of the Limerick/Cornish town line and extends northerly 6.47 miles to the intersection with Route 25.
Motorists should expect alternating one-way traffic controlled by flaggers within the work zone.
In addition to this pavement preservation project, there will be ditching and in-slope excavation.
It is anticipated all work will be completed on October 8th, 2016.
State Police say the accident scene on I-295 southbound near Exit 17 is clear, however traffic will be moving very slowly for some time.
Motorists are advised to allow for extra time or to seek an alternate route.
A multi-vehicle crash on I-295 southbound near Exit 17 has traffic backed up for approximately five miles.
There is currently one lane of travel through the area.
Various tow trucks are en route to the scene. Motorists are advised to seek an alternate route as State Police indicate it could be at least another hour before the scene is cleared.
Topsham ? A crash has forced the closure of Route 196 in Topsham at Harmony Hill Road.
Motorists should expect significant delays and are advised to seek an alternate route.
Emergency personnel are on the scene.
Thomaston - Beginning Tuesday, September 6, crews will be back working from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Route 1 reconstruction in Thomaston. There will be one lane of alternating traffic assisted by flaggers.
All businesses will be accessible.
This work is part of an $8.4 million road reconstruction project that will result in not only a smoother, safer Route 1 but also:
New sidewalks on both sides through the town
Sidewalk bump-outs to calm traffic
New storm drains
Ogunquit - On September 6, crews begin the final phase of the major upgrade of Route 1 through Ogunquit.
Work will continue around the clock for the next four to six weeks to minimize traffic impacts during fall foliage season.
Motorists are advised to slow down and watch out for pedestrians, bicyclists and other cars through the final repaving area downtown.
The vast majority of work has already been completed, including:
AUGUSTA ? Highlighting the importance of giving back, Governor Paul R. LePage and Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt are calling on State employees and retirees to raise $300,000 through the 37th annual Maine State Employees? Combined Charitable Appeal.
Governor LePage and Commissioner Bernhardt, who is serving as chair of the 2016 MSECCA campaign, kicked-off the initiative today in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta.
South Portland ? The Portland Water District will be completing preliminary work on the Route 77 water main in South Portland this week that will necessitate the road being closed in the overnight hours.
Tonight (Wed 9/7) and tomorrow (Thu 9/8) overnight between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., the road will be closed at the intersection of Broadway and Ocean Street (Route 77) and extend 0.1 of a mile southerly. Motorists are advised to seek an alternate route.
It is anticipated the entire project will be completed by October 2nd.