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MaineDOT News Releases
Following are the latest news releases issued by The Maine Department of Transportation.
News Release for November 26, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation announced today it plans to install a more durable, longer-term temporary bridge over the existing Dike Bridge on Route 1 in Machias. This new structure will ensure safe and reliable mobility while MaineDOT works with local entities to determine long-term resiliency needs and assesses options to develop a permanent replacement of the existing structure, which carries Route 1 over the Middle River. The new temporary bridge will be designed to last between 15 and 20 years.
MaineDOT decided to install a longer-term temporary bridge after the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) notified MaineDOT that, based on input FHWA received from the National Marine Fisheries Service, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would be the only practical path forward for MaineDOT's preferred alternative of an in-kind replacement. Normally reserved for much larger and more complex projects, an EIS would involve several years of additional environmental consulting and analysis. Final design and construction of a replacement bridge could not begin until after that EIS is completed.
"We understand residents and Route 1 travelers in Machias and Marshfield are frustrated with how long this project is taking, and we share that frustration," said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. "This project has raised unanticipated regulatory issues, resulting in much more permitting process and time than expected. The temporary bridge currently in place was not intended to last for many years. MaineDOT's core mission is to ensure safe and reliable transportation. To achieve that in this case, we need to construct a more durable temporary bridge, pause the federal environmental review process, and work with the towns as developments unfold. This work includes a local effort to plan for resiliency."
The current Dike Bridge dates to the Civil War era and is deteriorating. Late last year, MaineDOT installed a temporary bridge over the existing Dike Bridge after a routine inspection showed increasing voids within the structure. That temporary bridge will be removed before the new, longer-term temporary bridge is constructed. The new structure - estimated to cost about $2 million - will be paid for exclusively with state funds and constructed in a way that will not require federal permits or review. MaineDOT expects to complete construction of this new structure in 2025.
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News Release for November 19, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation and its contracting partners will be fully closing the northbound side of I-95 in Augusta during several overnight periods this week and next. These closures are required as crews work to install the detour bridge for the project to replace the bridge that carries Western Avenue (Route 202) over the intestate.
This week's closure periods are scheduled to occur from Wednesday night into Thursday and again from Friday night into Saturday. Next week, closures are planned for Monday night into Tuesday and Tuesday night into Wednesday. Crews will be closing the left-hand lanes on the northbound side of the interstate at 10:00 p.m. Full northbound interstate closures will happen between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. These full closures will occur for periods of no longer than 25 minutes each. All lanes of I-95 will be reopened by 6:00 a.m.
During the full closures, drivers may choose to exit the interstate at Exit 109 and reenter at Exit 112.
The contractor for this project is Reed & Reed, Inc. of Woolwich. The contract amount is approximately $30 million. On-site work began in November 2023 and is expected to be completed in June 2026.
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News Release for November 13, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WATERVILLE/WINSLOW - On January 6th, 2025, the Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the Ticonic Bridge to all traffic for approximately six months as part of the ongoing work to replace the bridge, which carries Route 201 over the Kennebec River between Waterville and Windslow. Both vehicles and pedestrians will be required to follow the posted detour routes. Vehicles will be detoured south to the Carter Memorial Bridge. Pedestrians will be detoured north to the Two Cent Bridge.
Following the six-month-long closure, eastbound vehicle traffic will be allowed back on the bridge, but westbound vehicle traffic will remain prohibited from the bridge for between 18 and 24 months while construction continues. When the bridge reopens to eastbound vehicle traffic, MaineDOT will also reopen the bridge to pedestrian traffic, using the new sidewalk on the upstream side of the bridge.
On-site work for the Ticonic Bridge replacement project began in December 2022. The structure is being replaced on the existing alignment. The new bridge will be a two-span structure, made of corrosion-resistant steel girders and a concrete deck. A single concrete pier will be built in the river to support the new bridge. This will reduce the likelihood of ice jams. Portions of the old bridge are more than 100 years old and at the end of their useful life. The new bridge will carry five lanes of traffic (similar to the existing bridge), feature widened shoulders, and include sidewalks on both sides. On-site construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2027.
The contractor on this project is Cianbro of Pittsfield. The contract amount is $52.8 million.
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News Release for November 8, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - As the Maine Department of Transportation continues to evaluate sources of funding for the development of an offshore wind port, the department announced today that it has postponed an informational meeting scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024 at the Searsport Community Center. The meeting will be rescheduled at later date to be determined. MaineDOT continues its work on project design, engineering, and development.
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News Release for October 31, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation announced today that it has been awarded more than $192 million in federal discretionary grant funding this month to support significant bridge, rail, safety, and port projects across Maine. The funding comes from the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was supported by Maine's Congressional Delegation.
The awards are as follows:
- $70 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bridge Investment Program (BIP) to help fund six significant bridge projects in Kennebec and Penobscot counties.
- $63 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bridge Investment Program (BIP) to make major improvements on six bridges along the I-395 corridor in Bangor and Brewer.
- More than $53 million through the Federal Railroad Administration's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program to make significant freight rail upgrades in Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Washington counties.
- $5.2 million through the Federal Highway Administration's Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovating (ATTAIN) grant program to make traffic safety upgrades in Brunswick and leverage technology to send catered warning messages in areas with bridge height restrictions, with congestion, and where hazardous weather may impact travel.
- $1 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support electrification efforts at four Maine ports.
The $70-million BIP grant will allow MaineDOT to replace six deteriorating bridges in Sidney and Waterville. The current structures do not provide enough vertical clearance for interstate traffic. Reducing the risk of bridge strikes improves safety and reliability along the backbone of Maine's transportation system. New, wider shoulders on the new bridges will benefit all users. The bridges that will be replaced are:
- The Dinsmore Road Bridge in Sidney.
- The Lyons Road Bridges in Sidney.
- The Drummond Road Bridge in Sidney.
- The Town Farm Road Bridge in Sidney.
- The Trafton Road Bridge in Waterville.
- I-395 over Main Street in Bangor (rehabilitation).
- I-395 over the Penobscot River crossing from Bangor to Brewer (rehabilitation).
- I-395 over Maine Central Railroad in Brewer (rehabilitation).
- Robertson Boulevard over I-395 in Brewer (replacement).
- Parkway South over I-395 in Brewer (replacement).
- Green Point Road over I-395 in Brewer (replacement).
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News Release for October 31, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
KENNEBEC AND SOMERSET COUNTIES - The Maine Department of Transportation will be repairing rutting on two segments of I-95 in Kennebec and Somerset counties next week. This work is being performed before the winter season; a full repaving project for these areas is scheduled for next summer. This short-term repair work is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 4th and Tuesday, November 5th. The two areas being addressed are the right-hand lane of I-95 northbound over the Messolonskee Stream in Waterville and the right-hand lane of I-95 southbound over the Kennebec River bridge and adjoining highway and MCRR bridges in Fairfield and Benton. Message boards will be in place to alert travelers of the lane closures. The contractor on this project is CPM Constructors of Freeport. The contract amount is $160,000.
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News Release for October 16, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation project to replace the bridge that carries Western Avenue (Route 202) over I-95 in Augusta is going to begin having significant traffic impacts later this month.
Beginning on Monday, October 28th, the ramp that carries eastbound Western Avenue traffic to the interstate will be closed. Eastbound traffic will be able to use one of three detours to access I-95:
- Vehicles can continue eastbound down Western Avenue and reverse direction at Meadow Road/Fuller Road to access the interstate from the westbound side of Western Avenue.
- Vehicles can continue eastbound down Western Avenue and take a right on Senator Way followed by a left on Crossing Way (this goes past Target), and then access the interstate from the westbound side of Western Avenue. This option is the official truck detour.
- For southbound interstate access only, vehicles can take a right on Whitten Road before the interstate. There will be a new connection between Whitten Road and the southbound interstate ramp.
Each of these ramp closures will last approximately 30 days. During this time, contractors will be constructing the temporary bridge that will carry Western Avenue over the interstate during the next phase of construction.
On-site construction for this project started in November 2023. The work has been happening primarily under the existing bridge and ramps with minimal traffic impacts.
The existing Western Avenue bridge is approximately 70 years old. MaineDOT is replacing the structure with a new bridge on a similar alignment. The new bridge will provide additional vertical clearance on the interstate. It will also include approximately 1,350 feet of new sidewalk along Western Avenue and Whitten Road to improve pedestrian access and safety.
The contractor for this project is Reed & Reed, Inc. of Woolwich. The contract amount is approximately $30 million.
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News Release for October 16, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
FALMOUTH - The Maine Department of Transportation has closed the bridge that carries Johnson Road over I-295 in Falmouth to all traffic. The bridge will remain closed until next August to accommodate the ongoing work to remove the old bridge and replace it with a new one.
All vehicles should use the posted detour, which involves Route 1, Bucknam Road, and Middle Road. Detour routes are signed.
On-site construction to replace the Johnson Road Bridge began in July and is expected to be finished by the end of next year.
The contractor on this project is Wyman & Simpson, Inc. of Richmond. The construction contract amount is approximately $8 million.
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News Release for October 16, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BRUNSWICK/TOPSHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation is performing a routine bridge inspection of the Frank J. Wood Bridge today. This bridge carries Route 201 between Brunswick and Topsham. Because of the poor condition of the fracture critical Frank J. Wood Bridge, MaineDOT engineers inspect it every six months instead of the normal every 24-month frequency. Construction of a new bridge is currently underway.
This inspection work will impact traffic. Drivers should expect impacts between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Southbound traffic moving from Topsham to Brunswick will be able to cross the bridge. Northbound traffic from Brunswick to Topsham will be detoured to the Topsham Bypass and Route 196.
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News Release for September 20, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
This news release is being posted by the Maine Department of Transportation on behalf of the Maine Port Authority.
PORTLAND - Matthew Burns has decided to leave his position as Executive Director of the Maine Port Authority to return to the Maine Department of Transportation in a new role.
Beginning on September 23rd, Burns will be serving as the Deputy Director of MaineDOT's Office of Freight and Business Logistics. Under the leadership and guidance of Nathan Moulton, Director of Office of Freight and Business Logistics, Burns will expand his scope of work to include all freight modes, including freight rail, trucking, and ports. Burns will continue to be the point person for the state's effort to develop a floating offshore wind port facility in Maine.
"I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish at the Maine Port Authority over the past several years and am excited to return to MaineDOT in a new role that will help me expand my skills while continuing to support economic opportunities for our state," said Burns. "This new position at MaineDOT will allow me to focus on planning, grant work, and capital projects across all modes of freight transportation in Maine. I will also be continuing to work on the development of a purpose-built port facility to support the floating offshore wind industry. I'm grateful for this opportunity, which I feel is good for me personally as well as for MaineDOT and the MPA."
Burns has served as the MPA's Executive Director since May 2022. Prior to that, he served as interim executive director. From 2017 to 2021, he served as MaineDOT's Director of Ports and Marine Transportation.
On Monday, the Maine Port Authority board members selected Chelsea Pettengill to serve as the MPA's interim Executive Director.
Pettengill has served as the Deputy Director of the Maine Port Authority since 2023. In that role, she has worked with port facilities along the Maine coast to develop projects, maintain infrastructure, and promote Maines position in North Atlantic trade and the greater New England region.
A Maine native, Pettengill is a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy with both a B.S. in Vessel Operations and Technology and an M.S. in International Logistics Management. Prior to joining state government, Pettengill spent 11 years sailing as a U.S. Merchant Marine deck officer on tall ships, towboats, offshore supply vessels, and tugboats. Much of her time was spent sailing on U.S. waters, including the Great Lakes, Inland Waterways, Gulf of Mexico, and Gulf of Alaska.
"During her time at the Maine Port Authority, Chelsea has played a key role in the MPA's ongoing success and growth, and I'm confident she will continue that excellent work," said Wade Merritt, President of the Maine International Trade Center and MPA board member. "Chelsea understands the day-to-day operations, unique challenges, and long-term opportunities at Maine's ports. This transition period will be seamless and successful with her at the helm."
"Id like to thank the Maine Port Authority board for the opportunity to step into this role and continue our work to promote and maintain Maine's ports," said Pettengill. "I grew up cruising the Maine coast every summer, which led me to pursue a career in the maritime industry, and it's been a special opportunity to come shoreside and find a position that allows me to stay connected to the water."
Pettengill will begin her new role on September 23rd.
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News Release for September 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
ROCKLAND - The Maine Department of Transportation and Maine State Ferry Service commissioned the Charles Norman Shay ferry in Rockland this morning.
This new vessel, which will primarily serve Matinicus Isle, is named after a heroic Maine veteran and member of the Penobscot Nation who served as a combat medic during the D-Day invasion. Private Shay saved many lives on Omaha Beach and was awarded the Silver Star and French Legion of Honor for his service that day. He continued to serve on the front lines in many major battles of World War II.
After the war, Shay reenlisted in the military and would go on to serve in the Korean War, where he earned three Bronze Stars for his bravery. After retiring from the military as a master sergeant, Shay worked for 20 years at the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency.
In retirement, he has written and spoken extensively about his remarkable life experiences and military service.
"Like the people of Matinicus Isle, Charles Norman Shay is a hearty and resilient Mainer," said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. "His life story is incredible, and his sacrifices helped make our country what it is today. It is our sincere hope that everyone who rides this vessel will pause to reflect on the debt our nation owes to people like Charles Norman Shay."
Last year, the residents of Matinicus Isle recommended to the Maine State Ferry Service Advisory Board that the island's new vessel be named after Mr. Shay. Members of the Matinicus community wanted to recognize the Penobscots because of their presence on the island for centuries prior to the arrival of European settlers.
"We hope this is the beginning of an ongoing relationship with the Penobscot Nation - not just for Matinicus Island but for all the residents of this bay," said Eva Murray, the Ferry Service Advisory Board member who represents Matinicus. "We endeavor to see the history of our part of Maine and all its people remembered with accuracy, depth, and respect."
The Charles Norman Shay is the first MSFS vessel named for a Native American.
"A true hero for the Penobscot Nation and beyond, the life of Charles Norman Shay exemplifies selflessness, service, and humility," said Maria Girouard, a member of the Penobscot Nation Tribal Council. "Our ancestors are smiling down on us."
"Charles Norman Shay is a great example of humility in my life, and I'm extremely proud to be his nephew," said Tim Shay, nephew of Charles Norman Shay. "Let this vessel be the example of Charles Norman Shay's life's journey of 100 years, so far, to weather the ocean of Maine and to remind us that humility and pride can work together to live a good life no matter what comes."
Shay lives in France. He celebrated his 100th birthday in June the same month the vessel that bears his name arrived in Rockland.
"I feel very proud to have a boat bearing my name right where my ancestors had their summer encampment," said Charles Norman Shay. "I only wish now that my parents could be here and see what is going on. It makes me very proud being a part of your team and represent my tribe, the Penobscot Indians from the State of Maine, at these functions. I thank you all very much."
The Charles Norman Shay is a 104-foot-long diesel ferry. It has the capacity to carry 149 passengers and seven cars. The ferry was designed by Gilbert Associates of Braintree, Massachusetts. It was built by Steiner Shipyard in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, where it was christened in March. The Maine Department of Transportation paid approximately $11.7 million for this new ferry.
The video message from Charles Norman Shay is posted here: https://youtu.be/H-Xy-EDdpJk.
Members of the media can access pictures of Mr. Shay as well as pictures and video of the new vessel here: https://file.ac/AOoRcA4G_no/.
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News Release for September 11, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
ROCKLAND - The Maine Department of Transportation and Maine State Ferry Service will hold a commissioning ceremony for the Charles Norman Shay ferry on Thursday morning.
Mr. Shay is a heroic Maine veteran and member of the Penobscot Nation who served as a combat medic during the D-Day invasion. The new vessel that bears his name will primarily serve Matinicus Isle.
WHO:
Bruce Van Note Commissioner, Maine Department of Transportation
William Geary Director, Maine State Ferry Service
Eva Murray Ferry Service Advisory Board, Matinicus Isle
Maria Girouard Penobscot Nation Tribal Council
Tim Shay Nephew of Charles Norman Shay
Charles Norman Shay (Recorded Video Message)
WHAT:
Commissioning of the Charles Norman Shay
WHERE:
Maine State Ferry Service
Rockland Terminal
517A Main Street
Rockland, Maine
WHEN:
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m.
Tours of the vessel will follow.
Members of the media wishing to attend should arrive no later than 10:00 a.m. and park in the designated area in the ferry terminal parking lot. Parking will be validated.
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News Release for August 27, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
GORHAM/WINDHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation expects Babb's Bridge to remain closed to traffic until the spring. MaineDOT bridge engineers inspected the structure on Monday and determined that some of the bridge beams were damaged when an overweight vehicle fell through the bridge deck on Friday afternoon. The repair work can be accomplished by MaineDOT crews, but the lumber will need to be milled specifically to match the species and dimensions of the lumber on the bridge. Procuring the materials is expected to take several months, meaning construction is unlikely to happen until the spring. MaineDOT does not have an estimated repair cost at this time.
Original news release from Friday, August 23rd:
GORHAM/WINDHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation expects Babb's Bridge to remain closed to traffic for at least several months after an overweight dump truck fell through the bridge deck on Friday afternoon. MaineDOT bridge engineers will inspect the structure to determine the extent of the damage it sustained.
The bridge has a posted weight limit of three tons. According to Gorham Police, the dump truck was loaded with crushed gravel. This would have made the weight of the vehicle several times the posted weight limit. The truck entered the bridge from the Gorham side and fell through the first panel of the bridge deck into the river below.
Babb's Bridge is a covered bridge that carries Covered Bridge Road over the Presumpscot River between Gorham and Windham. Hurricane Road is the approach road on the Gorham side. The single-lane bridge is a state-owned structure that carries a local road. On an average day, approximately 360 vehicles cross the bridge.
The original Babb's Bridge was built in 1840. It was Maine's oldest covered bridge until it was burned by vandals in 1973. MaineDOT crews rebuilt an exact replica of the bridge using lumber milled in Gorham and historically authentic construction techniques. The replacement bridge opened in 1976. The bridge is wood and the abutments on either side of the river are stone.
Babb's Bridge is inspected at least every two years. The last inspection took place at the end of last month. The weight limit on the bridge was first posted at three tons in 1983 and has not changed since then.
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News Release for August 23, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
GORHAM/WINDHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation expects Babb's Bridge to remain closed to traffic for at least several months after an overweight dump truck fell through the bridge deck on Friday afternoon. MaineDOT bridge engineers will inspect the structure to determine the extent of the damage it sustained.
The bridge has a posted weight limit of three tons. According to Gorham Police, the dump truck was loaded with crushed gravel. This would have made the weight of the vehicle several times the posted weight limit. The truck entered the bridge from the Gorham side and fell through the first panel of the bridge deck into the river below.
Babb's Bridge is a covered bridge that carries Covered Bridge Road over the Presumpscot River between Gorham and Windham. Hurricane Road is the approach road on the Gorham side. The single-lane bridge is a state-owned structure that carries a local road. On an average day, approximately 360 vehicles cross the bridge.
The original Babb's Bridge was built in 1840. It was Maine's oldest covered bridge until it was burned by vandals in 1973. MaineDOT crews rebuilt an exact replica of the bridge using lumber milled in Gorham and historically authentic construction techniques. The replacement bridge opened in 1976. The bridge is wood and the abutments on either side of the river are stone.
Babb's Bridge is inspected at least every two years. The last inspection took place at the end of last month. The weight limit on the bridge was first posted at three tons in 1983 and has not changed since then.
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News Release for August 21, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation is closing the southbound side of I-95 between Exits 112 and 109 in Augusta at noon today so a contractor can inspect the bridge joint that failed on Monday. The failing bridge joint is on the bridge that carries the interstate over Bond Brook Road. The right-hand lane of interstate traffic will be closed for several hours.
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News Release for August 19, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation is conducting emergency repairs to a bridge joint on the southbound side of I-95 between Exits 112 and 109 in Augusta. The failing bridge joint is on the bridge that carries the interstate over Bond Brook Road. The right-hand lane of interstate traffic will be closed for several hours while crews make these repairs.
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News Release for August 6, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation has begun a feasibility study that will evaluate opportunities for new and expanded public transit services and active transportation facilities if the Maine Turnpike Authority Gorham Connector is constructed. Led and funded by MaineDOT as a distinct study, this effort will assess opportunities for connections that would otherwise be infeasible, while leveraging travel time savings, changing travel patterns, and land available for transportation purposes. This study will ultimately provide the public and local and state officials with a better understanding of the opportunities and costs for enhanced public transit and active transportation facilities associated with this potential new transportation corridor.
More information on the study, including but not limited to scope of work and proposed schedule, and a public comment form are available here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/bc07b15d3c514b93920d50ef49d0b82c
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News Release for August 2, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
HOULTON - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing Exit 302 Southbound on-and off-ramps on I-95 next week to accommodate paving work. The closures begin Monday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m and goes until 6:00 a.m. each night, until August 8. The contractor on this work is Northeast Paving of Hermon. This work is part of a larger $9.8-million contract.
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News Release for August 2, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
GARDINER - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing Exit 49 Northbound on-and-off ramps on I-295 next week to accommodate paving work. The closure begins August 4 at 6:00 p.m and goes until 6:00 a.m. on August 5. The contractor on this work is All States Materials Group of Richmond. This work is part of a larger $18.8-million contract.
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News Release for July 26, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SAGADAHOC COUNTY - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing some I-295 ramps overnight next week to accommodate paving work. The closure periods will begin at 7:00 p.m and go until 6:00 a.m. Work on the Exit 31 on- and off-ramps in Topsham will happen on the nights of Sunday, July 28th and Monday, July 29th. Work on the Exit 37 on- and off-ramps in Bowdoinham will happen on the nights of Tuesday, July 30th and Wednesday, July 31st. Work on the Exit 43 on- and off-ramps in Richmond will occur on the night of Thursday, August 1st. The contractor on this work is All States Materials Group of Richmond. This work is part of a larger $18.8-million contract.
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News Release for July 25, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SANFORD - The Maine Department of Transportation is replacing a culvert on Route 202/11 in Sanford. The culvert serves the Great Works River and is located northeast of the intersection of Route 202/11 and Jellerson Road. The current culvert is failing and undersized. It will be replaced with a larger concrete box that can accommodate larger water flows during significant storm events. The new culvert will also better match the overall stream conditions to support the existing healthy population of brook trout. On-site work is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 29th and be finished in October. Two-way traffic will be maintained during construction. The contractor on this project is Gordon Contracting of Sangerville. The contract amount is $1.7 million.
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News Release for July 24, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
TOPSHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be doing paving work and pedestrian safety improvements on one mile of Route 196. The project area is located between Smith Road and Main Street (Topsham Fair mall). Drivers should expect an alternating, single-lane traffic pattern during this project. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 5th and is anticipated to be completed by the end of September. The contractor on this project is All State Construction of Berwick. The contract amount is $1.8 million.
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News Release for July 18, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - "The LAP" - the Maine Department of Transportation's new commuter bus service between Lewiston/Auburn and Portland - will begin serving customers on Monday, July 22nd.
Service will include several runs throughout the day from 4:30 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday and from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends. While the focus is on workforce transportation, the service will be open for all trip purposes. There will be six stops on the route:
- Bates College,
- The Oak Street Bus Station in Lewiston,
- The Auburn Transportation Center,
- The Maine Turnpike Exit 75 Park and Ride in Auburn,
- Monument Square in Portland, and
- The Portland Transportation Center.
This pilot bus service will serve as an indicator of the latent demand and potential market for enhanced public transportation between the Portland and Lewiston/Auburn regions. This program will operate for at least two years.
The contractor on this project is RTW Management, Inc. of Salt Lake City. The contract amount is $2.8 million.
View schedule details here: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/transit/thelap/schedule
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News Release for July 18, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
PERHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation is replacing the Salmon Stream Bridge in Perham. The bridge is on Route 228 between Mouse Island Road and Carson Road. The current structure was installed in 1967 and is past its useful life. We will be replacing it with a concrete box culvert that is 24 feet wide. Work began this week and is expected to be finished by the end of August. The road is closed until August 15th. Signs direct drivers to a detour route. There are no nearby homes. The contractor on this project is Soderberg Construction of Caribou. The contract amount is approximately $864,000.
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News Release for July 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
STONINGTON - The Maine Department of Transportation is replacing the Oceanville Bridge in Stonington. Beginning this week, drivers should expect an alternating, single-lane traffic pattern. This traffic pattern is expected to continue until November 2025. The contractor on this project is Reed & Reed, Inc. of Woolwich. The contract amount is approximately $4.4 million.
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News Release for July 15, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
NORTH YARMOUTH - The Maine Department of transportation is replacing a failing culvert on Route 115 in North Yarmouth. The work area is east of the intersection of Route 115 and Mill Road. Work started on July 10th and is scheduled to be finished by August 9th. There is a full road closure scheduled from July 17th to August 6th. A detour route will be marked. Single-lane closures are expected at the beginning and end of the work. The contractor on this project is A.H. Grover, Inc. of North Yarmouth. The contract amount is approximately $505,000.
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News Release for July 15, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
HANCOCK COUNTY - The Maine Department of Transportation is conducting inspection work on the Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge, which carries Route 15 over Eggemoggin Reach between Deer Isle and Sedgwick. This work will impact traffic on the bridge.
Inspection work is scheduled to begin today and continue through August 3rd. Another inspection period is scheduled from August 19th through August 31st. During these periods, drivers may encounter single lane closures between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays. No inspection work will be happening on Sundays.
The consultant working on this project is TranSystems of Boston. The contract amount is approximately $636,000.
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News Release for July 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
COPLIN PLANTATION - The Maine Department of Transportation will be reconstructing a section of Route 16 in Coplin Plantation. The project area begins 1.3 miles west of the Lang Township/Coplin Plantation town line and extends to the Nash Stream Bridge. This project involves repairing the road and updating the signage. On-site construction activities are scheduled to begin on Monday, July 15th. During construction, traffic through the project area on Route 16 will be restricted to a single lane of alternating traffic between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The anticipated completion date of this work is September 27th, 2025. The contractor on this project is Jordan Excavation of Kingfield. The contract amount is $7.2 million.
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News Release for July 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WEST GARDINER - The Maine Department of Transportation will be making pavement improvements on parts of I-295 in West Gardiner. The project area affects the lanes exiting the highway-speed toll plaza in West Gardiner at Exit 103 from the southbound side of I-95. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 15th and be completed on Tuesday, July 16th. This project will involve day work occurring between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on both days. Drivers should avoid using the highway-speed toll lane during this time. The contractor on this project is All States Materials Group of Richmond. The work is part of a larger, $18.8-million contract for highway work.
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News Release for July 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WINDHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be doing paving work on Routes 202 and 115 in Windham. The project area starts just north of River Road and extends eight miles west to the Gray town line. Drivers should expect an alternating, single-lane traffic pattern during this project. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 15th and is anticipated to be completed by October of this year. The contractor on this project is All States Materials Group of Richmond. The contract amount is approximately $3.4 million.
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News Release for July 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - After extensive analysis and public communication, the Maine Department of Transportation has adopted a new fare structure for the Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS). When it becomes effective, this new fare structure will increase annual fare revenue by approximately 18.4 percent. Revenues collected through fares and parking fees pay half the total operating costs of the MSFS. Pursuant to Maine law, the state Highway Fund subsidizes the other half of the operating costs. Accordingly, the subsidy will also increase by approximately 18.4 percent. The projected total annual operating costs of the MSFS over the next four years that were as used as the basis of this fare structure ranged from $15.5 million to $16 million.
This is the first fare increase since 2019, when fares then increased by about 17 percent. Since then, MSFS operating costs have increased significantly with inflation. The major contributors to higher operating costs projected in this fare increase were negotiated personnel pay increases, fuel, and vessel repairs. Ticket price increases were weighted higher for the limited and high-demand slots for cars and trucks than for passengers and higher in the peak season of June through September. The adoption of this new fare structure follows months of analysis, communication with the Ferry Service Advisory Board, and public process pursuant to the state's rulemaking process. If all required administrative processes take place as planned, the new fare structure will take effect on August 1, 2024.
In addition to operating costs, state and federal funds will continue to pay for 100 percent of the costs of capital expenditures at the MSFS. This includes the costs of shoreside infrastructure and new vessels. There are currently three new vessels in various stages of production. Combined, these vessels and shoreside infrastructure represent an investment of more than $100 million in state and federal funds.
Since the development of this new fare schedule, MSFS staffing challenges due to a tight maritime labor market nationally have led to numerous cancellations that have primarily impacted one of the two ferries serving Vinalhaven daily. MaineDOT anticipates needing more funding to cover anticipated compensation increases to MSFS crew members and contracted staffing costs necessary to minimize the cancellation of ferry trips. The details of these additional costs are still being defined and quantified, but they are substantial and were not considered in this newly adopted rate structure. Accordingly, it is anticipated that another public fare increase rulemaking process will need to start soon - perhaps as early as this fall - to account for increased staffing costs. The goal of this upcoming rulemaking process will be to have a fiscally sustainable MSFS operational budget that complies with statutory cost shares in effect by June 1, 2025.
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News Release for July 3, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
LEWISTON - The Maine Department of Transportation will be replacing the wearing surface of the bridge that carries Lincoln Street over part of the Androscoggin River between Locust Street and South Avenue in Lewiston. This work will require the bridge to be fully closed to traffic from Wednesday, July 10th through Friday, July 12th.
On Monday, June 25th, a crew from the city noticed some buckling on the bridge surface. That crew closed the bridge to traffic and contacted MaineDOT. MaineDOT responded to inspect the bridge. Part of the bridge's concrete surface has separated from the concrete bridge deck due to the expansion of trapped moisture between the layers. Crews patched the pavement as a short-term solution to reopen the road to traffic. MaineDOT has now contracted Shaw Brothers Construction of Gorham to replace the entire bridge wearing surface. This work will also involve the application of a membrane between the concrete layers to prevent future problems caused by moisture and temperature fluctuations. This work is expected to cost approximately $66,000.
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News Release for June 25, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
LEWISTON - The Maine Department of Transportation is working to repair part of the surface of the bridge that carries Lincoln Street over part of the Androscoggin River between Locust Street and South Avenue in Lewiston. Earlier this afternoon, a crew from the city noticed some buckling on the bridge surface. That crew closed the bridge to traffic and contacted MaineDOT. MaineDOT bridge experts responded to inspect the bridge. It appears that part of the bridge's concrete surface has separated from the concrete bridge deck. The bridge deck does not appear to be damaged. Bridge experts believe the recent fluctuation in temperature and rain caused the concrete delamination. MaineDOT crews will have the bridge repaired and opened to traffic tonight.
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News Release for June 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
RUMFORD - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the Morse Bridge on Route 108 in Rumford on Monday, June 24th. This closure is required so crews can replace the wearing surface and bridge expansion joints. This full closure is scheduled to run continuously through late August. The vehicle detour uses Route 2. The contractor on this project is CPM Constructors of Freeport. The contract amount is $664,000.
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News Release for June 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
UPDATE: The original press release listed work happening on Route 4. It is actually happening on Route 27.
FRANKLIN AND SOMERSET COUNTIES - The Maine Department of Transportation will be doing paving work on Route 27 between Farmington and Kingfield. The project area starts in Farmington at the intersection of Route 4 and extends north approximately 19 miles, ending north of School Street in Kingfield. Drivers should expect an alternating, single-lane traffic pattern during this project. Work began today and is anticipated to be completed by November. The contractor on this project is Pike Industries of Fairfield. The contract amount is $14.7 million.
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News Release for June 13, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
FREEPORT AND BRUNSWICK - The Maine Department of Transportation is making improvements to I-295 in Freeport and Brunswick. This project affects both sides of the interstate. The work area begins just north of Exit 22 and extends north for approximately six miles.
On-site work began in late May, but crews are now beginning to implement lane shifts and will be installing concrete barriers over the next week to protect workers. Both northbound and southbound lanes of traffic are being shifted away from the interstate median. Contractors are working in three-mile-long segments. Work is beginning at the southern end of the project limits and will progress northward over the coming months.
Much of this construction is being done during the day. Drivers need to pay extra attention to workers as well as trucks entering and exiting the work site during daytime hours. The Exit 22 and 24 northbound on-ramps will experience slow and stopped traffic. Throughout these work zones, travel lanes and shoulders will be narrower and speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph.
This work involves making improvements to the interstate passing lane pavement, reconstructing the shoulders and median, improving highway drainage, and installing new guardrail. The contractor on this project is Shaw Brothers of Gorham. The contract amount is $16 million. All work is scheduled to be finished by mid-December.
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News Release for June 13, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BUXTON AND GORHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be doing paving work on Route 202 between Buxton and Gorham. The project area starts near Pennell Road in Buxton and extends northeast for approximately six miles, ending near Access Road in Gorham. Drivers should expect an alternating, single-lane traffic pattern during this project, with full closures lasting up to ten minutes. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 17th and is anticipated to be completed by September. This work involves making roadway improvements such as paving, curb installation, and guardrail work. The contractor on this project is Pike Industries of Belmont, New Hampshire. The contract amount is approximately $3.4 million.
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News Release for June 11, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation has selected a contractor for a pilot program to provide commuter bus service between Portland and Lewiston/Auburn. RTW Management, Inc. a transportation services provider based in Salt Lake City was the preferred bidder on a request for proposals issued by MaineDOT in January. The contract amount is $2.8 million. Service is expected to begin in early July.
MaineDOT is advancing the design and implementation of a minimum two-year pilot commuter bus service that provides a level of frequency and service envisioned by recent rail studies of this corridor. This pilot bus service will serve as an indicator of the latent demand and potential market for enhanced public transportation between the Portland and Lewiston/Auburn regions.
Throughout the summer and fall of 2023, MaineDOT and consultant Cambridge Systematics gathered stakeholder input and analyzed several potential routes, ultimately identifying a preferred alternative that includes stops at Bates College, the Oak Street Bus Station in Lewiston, the Auburn Transportation Center, the Maine Turnpike Exit 75 Park and Ride in Auburn, Monument Square in Portland, and the Portland Transportation Center. Service will include several runs throughout the day from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends. MaineDOT will work with RTW to identify any variations on the recommended route, schedule, and stops. While the focus is on workforce transportation, the service will be open for all trip purposes.
The Lewiston-Auburn to Portland Commuter Bus Implementation Study is available at https://www.maine.gov/mdot/transit/publications/.
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News Release for June 10, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
MEDWAY - The Maine Department of Transportation is renovating the rest area buildings on both sides of I-95 in Medway. Work on the northbound side is scheduled to begin today and last approximately three weeks. After that, work will begin on the southbound side. The buildings will be closed to the public during these renovations. Portable toilets will be available. The contractor on this project is ReFine, LLC of Bangor. The contract amount is approximately $129,000.
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News Release for June 5, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
KENNEBEC COUNTY - The Maine Department of Transportation is replacing the wearing surface on the Pearl Harbor Remembrance bridge, which carries Route 126 (Bridge Street) over the Kennebec River near the Gardiner/Randolph town line. Routes 9, 27, and 126 intersect west of the bridge on the Gardiner side.
On-site construction work for the project began on May 22nd. Two-way traffic will be maintained on the bridge throughout the month of June. A directional detour, which will remove eastbound traffic (to Randolph) from the bridge, will begin on July 8th. During this detour, access to the east side of the Kennebec River will require traveling north to Augusta or south to Richmond/Dresden. Two-way traffic will be restored by August 16th. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of September.
The contractor for this project is Wyman & Simpson, Inc. of Richmond. The contract amount is approximately $3 million.
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News Release for May 24, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
MADAWASKA - The Maine Department of Transportation and the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (NBDTI), in coordination with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), are planning to open the new Madawaska-Edmundston bridge to traffic on Thursday, June 6th. The new bridge will initially be restricted to vehicles that weigh no more than five tons while construction activities continue on the bridge and Canadian Port of Entry.
The ongoing construction will also involve the permanent closure of the old bridge to vehicle traffic on Monday, June 3rd. This means that both Madawaska bridges are scheduled to be closed to vehicle traffic from June 3rd until June 6th. The next closest border crossings are in Fort Kent (approximately 19 miles to the west) and Van Buren (approximately 24 miles to the east). The old bridge will remain open to pedestrians between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. EST and 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST and until the new bridge is open.
As is the case with all outdoor construction, this schedule may change because of the weather.
The new bridge has been built on a new alignment, crossing the St. John River approximately 1,400 feet upstream from the old bridge on the U.S. side and tying into the existing New Brunswick port facility on the Canadian side. The new bridge features wider travel lanes and added shoulders on both sides. There is a raised sidewalk on the downstream side of the new bridge. The new bridge is designed to last 100 years. On-site bridge construction started in 2021. All work associated with the bridge project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
The bridge construction project is a collaborative effort involving both MaineDOT and NBDTI. The contractor on the project is Reed & Reed, Inc. of Woolwich. The construction contract is approximately $86.5 million. The total project cost is approximately $97.5 million. In 2019, this project received a $36-million Infrastructure for Rebuilding American (INFRA) grant from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. The remaining costs are being shared by MaineDOT and NBDTI.
During bridge construction, the GSA has been constructing a new land port of entry on the U.S. side of the international border. That project is nearing completion. MaineDOT, NBDTI, GSA, CBSA, and others are planning an event later this year to celebrate these projects.
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News Release for May 24, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
LINCOLN COUNTY - MaineDOT and its contracting partners have been able to make emergency repairs to the Southport Bridge to allow it to open to marine traffic. The bridge is currently operating correctly and should be able to accommodate the passage of all marine traffic through the holiday weekend. The moveable bridge opens on a schedule: every 30 minutes between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE FROM YESTERDAY:
LINCOLN COUNTY - The Southport Bridge remains unable to open for marine traffic because of damage done to the structure's electrical systems during this past winter's flooding events. Boats that have the necessary vertical clearance to pass under the closed bridge are still able to pass through. Maintenance crews are actively working to resolve the issue, but we expect the situation will not be resolved in time for the upcoming holiday weekend.
This delay in bridge operations is unrelated to the construction project that is currently taking place. MaineDOT is rehabilitating the bridge, which carries Route 27 over the Townsend Gut at the Boothbay Harbor/Southport town line.
On-site work started in October. The project is expected to be finished next May. The contractor on this project is Cianbro of Pittsfield. The contract amount is $20.9 million. This project was awarded a $7.64-million federal BUILD grant in 2020.
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News Release for May 22, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
KITTERY - A new, dynamic part-time shoulder use (PTSU) system is now operational for motorists on I-95 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine. This PTSU system is in place on approximately three miles of I-95 - between Exit 5 in New Hampshire and Exit 3 in Maine - including the Piscataqua River Bridge. Designed to reduce congestion and improve safety, the PTSU system will be used during peak travel periods from May through October, during unplanned incidents, and as traffic conditions warrant.
Based on real-time travel conditions, crews at the Maine Turnpike Authority's Transportation Management and Communications Center in Portland will determine when to allow the right shoulder of the road southbound to be used as an open travel lane while New Hampshire will manage the PTSU northbound. When the PTSU system is activated, motorists will see the system's messaging components (beacons and lane-use signals) turn on to indicate when the shoulder is open for travel. There will also be warning signs with flashing beacons at the on-ramps approaching the system to alert merging traffic when the shoulder lane is open for travel and to use extra caution when merging into the highway. Traffic operators from both states will close the shoulder to traffic when congestion eases, if there's a motorist in the breakdown lane, or if any other emergency situation warrants the closure of the shoulder. Safety patrols will be increased when the PTSU system is in use.
The PTSU system is the result of a partnership involving the Maine Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. The three agencies also collaborated on a project to rehabilitate and revitalize the Piscataqua River Bridge. That work extended the life of the bridge, added needed safety improvements, and prepared the structure for this new PTSU system.
Green Mountain Communications of Pembroke, New Hampshire is the general contractor for the PTSU system. The contract amount was $9.4 million. The total project cost, including engineering and design work, was approximately $10 million.
View an illustration of the new system here: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/_assets/img/Part-Time%20Shoulder%20Use%20Illustration.pdf
###
News Release for May 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SAGADAHOC AND KENNEBEC COUNTIES - The Maine Department of Transportation is making improvements on both the northbound and southbound sides of I-295 between Topsham and Gardiner. This work involves paving work as well as work on the bridges over Routes 125/138 at Exit 37 in Bowdoinham and the Cobbosseecontee Bridges between Gardiner and West Gardiner.
Much of this work will be done during the day with the help of new technology to improve safety and awareness on road construction projects. MaineDOT has developed a specification for a Smart Work Zone System. This system involves deploying portable sensors miles ahead of some of our interstate work zones. The sensors monitor vehicle speeds and volumes. This allows the department to collect real-time traffic information and put that information on digital message boards. This gives drivers the latest information about what's ahead. Early warnings about speed reductions or stopped traffic are especially important when vehicles are traveling at interstate speeds. Daytime construction improves safety while also reducing costs to Maine taxpayers.
Work began last month and is scheduled to be completed in November, but significant traffic impacts will begin on Monday, May 20th. Drivers may encounter reduced lanes and speeds, which will be announced via message boards 72 hours in advance. The contractor on this project is All States Asphalt of Richmond. The contract amount is $18.8 million.
###
News Release for May 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation announced today that it has applied for $456 million in grant funding from the federal government to help construct the East Coast's first floating offshore wind port on a portion of state-owned Sears Island that is reserved for port development.
"Maine has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help transform our economy, protect our environment, create good-paying jobs, and support the generation of clean, affordable, reliable energy for Maine and the region," said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. "At the direction of Governor Mills, we will work collaboratively across the Administration to bring every federal dollar available to Maine to help us seize this opportunity for our people, our environment, and our future."
The application for funding comes after Governor Mills announced in February that the state-owned portion of Sears Island that is reserved for port development is the State of Maine's preferred site for a port facility. Sears Island is a 941-acre island off the coast of Searsport. In 2009, Sears Island was, by agreement, divided into two parcels: approximately 601 acres, or two thirds of the island, was placed in a permanent conservation easement held by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, while the remaining one third, or approximately 330 acres, was reserved by MaineDOT for future development.
The state concluded that the Sears Island parcel is the most feasible port development site in terms of location, logistics, cost, and environmental impact based on input from port and offshore wind stakeholders, including the University of Maine, and on technical and engineering analyses.
MaineDOT submitted the request for Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant funding to the U.S. Department of Transportation earlier this month seeking federal funding for the project, which is identified in the grant application as the Dirigo Atlantic Floating Offshore Wind Port Project.
The port project will establish Maine's place in the growing offshore wind industry and become a hub for job creation and economic development and will help achieve renewable energy goals established by both the Biden Administration and the Maine Legislature. It has been welcomed by a strong and diverse coalition of environmental, labor, and economic organizations.
On April 30th, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced its proposal for the first public auctions of wind energy areas in the Gulf of Maine. This will include eight lease areas totaling nearly one million acres with the potential to generate approximately 15 GW of clean, renewable energy. This is enough energy to power more than five million homes. In selecting these areas, BOEM heeded the calls of Governor Mills and Maine's Congressional Delegation to prohibit offshore wind development in vital Maine fishing grounds.
Currently, there are no other ports being considered on the East Coast that can accommodate all aspects of floating offshore wind construction and deployment and that are close to wind energy areas in the Gulf of Maine.
The selection of a port site reflects a priority of the Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap, a stakeholder-driven comprehensive plan that offers detailed strategies for Maine to realize economic, energy, and climate benefits from offshore wind, in conjunction with communities, fisheries, and wildlife of the Gulf of Maine.
Several factors support the state's selection of the Sears Island site for an offshore wind port:
- The State of Maine owns the parcel of land on Sears Island.
- The parcel of land on Sears Island has been reserved since 2009 for development.
- As a large, level area with deepwater access, the Sears Island site has beneficial physical and logistical characteristics for building a port facility at the scale required to support floating offshore wind port operations. Unlike adjacent Mack Point, the Sears Island site is not expected to require dredging, a key environmental and financial consideration for a port project.
- The Sears Island site would avoid impacts on existing commercial or industrial activities in the Port of Searsport.
- Because the parcel of land on Sears Island is owned by the state, the upfront and ongoing costs for a port facility are estimated to be substantially less than on Mack Point, which is privately owned and would require monthly lease fees.
The port project is subject to extensive and independent state and federal permitting processes, including assessments of environmental impacts and alternative sites. MaineDOT, on behalf of the state, intends to apply for permits later this year, which will also include additional opportunities for stakeholder and public input on the project.
A decision on this grant application is expected later this year. If funding is awarded, the lead federal agency on the project will initiate an environmental review in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. This federal process will inform and run parallel with permitting processes of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
In addition to this grant application, the State of Maine will continue to pursue further federal funding opportunities for the offshore wind port project.
To view the MaineDOT's grant application and other materials, please visit: www.maine.gov/mdot/grants/infra/.
###
News Release for May 13, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WEST GARDINER - This is the time of year when seasonal traffic volumes increase and many road construction projects begin in Maine. Representatives from the Maine Department of Transportation, Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine State Police, Associated General Contractors of Maine, and AAA Northern New England joined together in West Gardiner today to highlight the importance of safe driving especially in work zones.
Every year, Maine averages more than 500 crashes and two fatalities in work zones. These are incidents that occurred close to areas where crews may be working near traffic. Historically, the leading causes of work zone crashes are drivers following too closely, being distracted, and failing to yield.
"Since construction season is here, we want to remind drivers that Maine's 'Move Over Law' requires drivers to move over for any vehicle with green or amber lights," said John Cannell, Director of Maintenance for the Maine Turnpike Authority. "Moving over for our crews is not just a courtesy: it's the law."
This year, MaineDOT is using new technology to improve safety and awareness on road construction projects. The department has developed a specification for a Smart Work Zone System. This system involves deploying portable sensors miles ahead of interstate work zones. The sensors monitor vehicle speeds and volumes, allowing the department to collect real-time traffic information and put that information on digital message boards. This gives drivers the latest information about what's ahead.
"Early warnings about speed reductions or stopped traffic are especially important when vehicles are traveling at interstate speeds," said Shawn Smith, senior project manager at MaineDOT. "Smart Work Zone System technology is allowing MaineDOT to do daytime construction work this year on I-295 between Topsham and Gardiner. This daytime construction improves safety while also reducing costs to Maine taxpayers."
"As drivers, it's easy to become complacent when passing through work zones, but the speed limit reduction is there for a reason: to protect you and the men and women who are working in those zones," said Corporal Doug Cropper of the Maine State Police. "Drivers have the power to prevent crashes and save lives by driving with caution and courtesy on the road."
"The dedicated women and men who do road construction work in Maine do their jobs just feet sometimes inches away from traffic moving at high speeds," said Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors of Maine. "These workers know that one moment of driver distraction can result in a deadly crash. There are too many close-call stories. On behalf of these road crews, we urge Maine travelers to slow down, avoid distractions, and pay attention."
"Memorial Day road trips are expected to reach historic highs this year with AAA forecasting 38.4 million travelers by car," said Pat Moody of AAA Northern New England. "AAA recommends that motorists plan for extra road congestion and map their route to navigate around construction zones when possible."
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News Release for May 13, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WEST GARDINER - As seasonal traffic volumes increase and many road construction projects begin in Maine, public and private road workers are coming together to remind drivers to stay alert and drive carefully - especially in work zones.
Today, the Maine Department of Transportation, Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine State Police, Associated General Contractors of Maine, and AAA Northern New England will be holding a press conference to highlight the importance of safe driving.
WHO:
John Cannell - Maine Turnpike Authority
Shawn Smith - Maine Department of Transportation
Cpl. Doug Cropper - Maine State Police
Kelly Flagg - Associated General Contractors of Maine
Pat Moody - AAA Northern New England
WHAT:
Interviews, information, and visuals about work zone safety
WHERE:
Maine Turnpike Authority, West Gardiner Maintenance Facility
199 Lewiston Rd.
West Gardiner, Maine
WHEN:
Monday, May 13th
10:00 a.m.
ADDITIONAL MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Grover - Maine Turnpike Authority
207-838-6795
[email protected]
###
News Release for May 10, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SOMERSET COUNTY - The Maine Department of Transportation will be doing paving work on Route 201 between Solon and Bingham. The project area starts near the intersection of Route 201 and Lake Road in Solon and extends north for approximately six miles. Drivers should expect an alternating, single-lane traffic pattern during this project. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 13th and is anticipated to be completed by the end of July. The contractor on this project is Pike Industries of Westbrook. The contract amount is $3.2 million.
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News Release for April 29, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
NAPLES - Due to high water levels and trees blocking the Songo River, the Maine Department of Transportation will not be able to open the Songo Lock Draw Bridge in Naples until Saturday, May 11th. MaineDOT typically begins operating the draw bridge on May 1st to allow the passage of marine traffic under State Park Road. The department is communicating with other state agencies as we all work toward the new date when the seasonal bridge operation can begin.
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News Release for April 24, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
COPLIN PLANTATION - The Maine Department of Transportation will be temporarily closing the Nash Bridge on Route 16 in Coplin Plantation on Saturday, April 27th. This full closure is scheduled to run from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. This closure is required to allow repair work on the bridge approach slabs, which were damaged in the December 18th storm. The vehicle detour involves using Routes 27, 142, and 4. The contractor on this project is Jordan Excavation of Kingfield. The contract amount is $350,000.
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News Release for April 17, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
BRUNSWICK/TOPSHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be performing a bridge inspection of the Frank J. Wood Bridge on Wednesday, April 24th. This bridge carries Route 201 between Brunswick and Topsham. Because of the poor condition of the fracture critical Frank J. Wood Bridge, MaineDOT engineers inspect it every six months instead of the normal every 24-month frequency. Construction of a new bridge is currently underway.
This inspection work will impact traffic. Drivers should expect impacts between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Southbound traffic moving from Topsham to Brunswick will be able to cross the bridge. Northbound traffic from Brunswick to Topsham will be detoured to the Topsham Bypass and Route 196. In the event of bad weather, this work could shift to Thursday, April 25th or Friday, April 26th.
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News Release for April 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
HARPSWELL - The Maine Department of Transportation will be making repairs to the Bailey Island Bridge on Route 24 in Harpswell between Orrs Island and Bailey Island. Most of the work involves resetting granite stones that shifted during coastal storms in January. Other work includes drainage repairs and debris removal. Route 24 will be reduced to a single lane of traffic at times. Drivers may encounter full road closures that last no longer than 15 minutes. The sidewalk on the bridge may be closed to pedestrians at times during construction. MaineDOT is allowing the contractor the option of working at night or on Sundays during daylight hours. Most of the repair work will happen during low tides on the sides of the bridge. Construction begins the week of April 15th and will be finished in late May. The contractor on this project is New England Infrastructure of Hudson, Massachusetts. The contract amount is $1.5 million.
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News Release for April 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
TOPSHAM/WEST GARDINER - The Maine Department of Transportation will be making pavement improvements in various locations on both the northbound and southbound sides of I-295 between mile markers 30 and 51. This work involves repaving the Cobbosseecontee Bridges between Gardiner and West Gardiner. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 15th and be complete in November. This project will begin with day work occurring between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. It may transition to night work in the coming months. Drivers may encounter reduced lanes and speeds, which will be announced on message boards 72 hours in advance. This work is necessary to improve the pavement condition and replace bridge joints. The contractor on this project is All States Asphalt of Richmond. The contract amount is $18.8 million.
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News Release for April 11, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
TOPSHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the southbound Exit 31A ramp off I-295 next Sunday and Monday nights. The closures are scheduled from 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14th to 6:00 a.m. on Monday, April 15th and from 10:00 p.m. on Monday, April 15th to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16th. The construction being done is a ramp realignment because of a new Market Basket opening nearby. The contractor on this work is Crooker Construction of Topsham. Market Basket is paying for the construction.
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News Release for April 9, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation measured traffic volumes on some state highways yesterday that were between 10 and 20 times greater than normal. Traffic engineers monitored travel throughout the weekend and estimate that 15,000 additional vehicles came into Maine to witness the solar eclipse. Many more people traveled within the state to access the eclipse's path of totality. Additional details on traffic counts from the entire eclipse weekend will not be available until after this week.
"The Maine Department of Transportation's goal was to get our customers safely where they needed to be for the eclipse, and that happened," said MaineDOT Traffic Engineer Colby Fortier-Brown. "Even though there were traffic delays on state highways as people headed home from the path of totality, we are pleased to report that our state did not experience any major traffic safety incidents related to the eclipse. Our team was able to predict where travel was going to be heavy and help keep vehicles moving safely - albeit more slowly than usual in some areas."
Prior to the eclipse, the biggest traffic back-up observed by state traffic engineers was on Route 201 between Skowhegan and Jackman, where there were delays of approximately one hour. After the eclipse, several state highways in the western and central parts of the state experienced multi-hour delays as eclipse-viewers traveled back south. Traffic engineers observed the most congestion on I-95 north of Bangor as well as Routes 6, 27, and 201. The biggest traffic back-up after the eclipse was a four-hour delay measured on Route 201 between Jackman and Skowhegan. Most traffic congestion in Maine had cleared up by 7:00 p.m.
MaineDOT worked in close coordination with many federal, state, and local agencies as we planned for and experienced the eclipse weekend. We would like to thank all those partners for their hard work and dedication to ensuring safe travel in Maine.
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News Release for April 8, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - In response to the proposed transportation funding cuts approved by the Appropriations Committee majority over the weekend, Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner Bruce Van Note released the following statement:
"I was surprised and disheartened that the Appropriations Committee majority, without notice, decided to assume control of the Highway Fund and divert nearly $60 million away from transportation resources starting next year. MaineDOT Work Plans require long-term, predictable funding, and if these proposed changes become law, we will have to cut work from our current Work Plan. Such a drastic change will impact everything we do, including highway and bridge projects, transit funding, and initiatives aimed at promoting resiliency and clean energy. Importantly, this will hobble our ability to apply for federal grants, which means the impact is more than the state funding cuts."
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News Release for April 3, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
MASARDIS - Earlier this afternoon, a tractor-trailer struck a train on Route 11 in Masardis. Two empty rail cars derailed. Route 11 will be closed for several hours while crews work to get a crane on site to lift the rail cars. MaineDOT is setting up a detour route for vehicle traffic. This part of rail track is owned by MaineDOT. The train was being operated by Maine Northern Railway.
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News Release for April 2, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
ROCKLAND - In a milestone for the expansion of reliable and accessible public EV charging in Maine, some of the nation's first public EV-charging stations funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are now open along U.S. Route 1 in Rockland.
The five high-speed public EV chargers, located at the Hannaford Supermarket in Rockland, were funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The NEVI Program provides states with funding to strengthen and improve the reliability of our nation's electric vehicle charging network. The program was established by the Biden Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is administered through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and supported by the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.
Maine is the fifth state to open NEVI-funded chargers and the first to have an operational NEVI-funded charging location open in conjunction with EV manufacturer Tesla. The Rockland chargers add to Maine's growing network of EV charging infrastructure through Recharge Maine, the state's initiative to create a convenient, reliable, and accessible EV charging network, especially along Maine's most traveled roads and highways.
The availability of public electric vehicle charging stations has more than doubled in Maine since 2019. In January the state of Maine received a $15-million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the further installation of 62 Level 3 fast charging ports and 520 Level 2 charger ports at more than 70 sites in 63 Maine cities and towns - adding to the more than 1,000 public EV charging ports now available across the state.
"Today, Maine leads the charge to electrify our transportation infrastructure with the opening of its first NEVI-funded electric vehicle charging station," said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. "Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are deploying thousands of electric vehicle chargers along our nation's highways and within communities, making finding a charging station just as easy as finding a gas station."
"It was no small feat for Congress to pass a once-in-a-generation bipartisan infrastructure law which includes climate-smart programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program," said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, who voted to pass President Biden's transformative infrastructure bill. "As a long-time electric car driver myself, I know that one of the reasons people have not made the transition is because they worry about access to charging stations. Today is a vital step to deliver significant fuel savings to commuters and drivers and preserve the health of our environment."
"State and federal investments in EV charging across the state will help meet the needs of consumers, communities, and businesses, while helping significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and co-chair of the Maine Climate Council. "As a partner in Recharge Maine, we're proud that Maine is on the leading edge of EV charging in the country, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and we look forward to seeing Maine's EV charging network expand in Bangor, Augusta, Houlton, Machias, Rumford, and other towns and cities to make EV travel across our state more reliable, accessible, and convenient."
"Maine is leading the country in the acceleration of clean energy, energy efficiency, and the availability of clean transportation technology like EV charging," said Dan Burgess, Director of the Governor's Energy Office. "New high-speed chargers like these across the state will provide convenient charging options at key locations for drivers as Maine becomes more EV ready."
"Bipartisan support for transportation leads to real benefits for the traveling public," said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. "Expanding Maine's EV charging network will help reduce range anxiety in our rural state. It will also improve our quality of life by reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector."
"Maine is full speed ahead to implement convenient, reliable EV charging across the state," said Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. "The Rockland station, as the first federally funded Tesla charging station in the nation, embodies the goal of the NEVI program - for any EV user to plug into any publicly funded charger, anytime, anywhere."
"Clean transportation options are advancing with the launch of Maine's first NEVI-funded EV charging station today," said Spencer Thibodeau, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, Department of Energy. "Fast charging complements charging at home and around town to support convenient transportation that can be powered by clean energy."
"The Rockland Supercharger with eight fast-charging stalls is an important travel charging site to expand charging access across Maine," said Shatorah Roberson, Tesla Policy Advisor. "We appreciate the partnership with Recharge Maine under NEVI."
"Care for the planet and the communities we serve is at the core of everything we do, as we aspire to enable our customers and associates to lead healthier and more sustainable lives," said George Parmenter, sustainability lead at Hannaford Supermarkets. "With that goal in mind, we are pleased to work with Recharge Maine; the Maine Department of Transportation; and Peter Kriensky, the owner of the Rockland Shopping Plaza, to bring these high-speed electric vehicle chargers to our Rockland store. These charging stations offer our customers a convenient way to charge their electric vehicles as they shop, while also providing customers the opportunity to be a part of the solution when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
Expansion of Maine's public EV charging network is led by Recharge Maine, a partnership among the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF), the Governor's Energy Office (GEO), the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT).
In August 2023, Recharge Maine announced more than $6 million in NEVI awards would be used to support the construction of new chargers at seven locations. Tesla was awarded $473,591 in NEVI funding for five of the eight charging ports at the Rockland site. The chargers are DC fast-charging (DCFC) chargers that can be used to charge all major EV brands. NEVI funding requires that chargers be physically accessible to the public any time of day and year-round. The chargers must also remain in proper working condition more than 97 percent of the time.
In recent months, new EV chargers became available in Ellsworth, Bangor, Belfast, Newport, Fairfield, Auburn and Lewiston, and funding has been committed for chargers in Presque Isle, Fort Kent, Medway, Machias, Houlton, Ashland, Danforth, Van Buren, Baileyville, Augusta, Searsport, Waldoboro, Rockland, and Brunswick.
Over the next several years, Maine will receive approximately $18 million from the NEVI Formula program to fund the development of the state's deployment plan. Future public fast-charging locations in Maine utilizing NEVI funds will include:
- City of Portland Miss Portland Diner Lot, 140 Marginal Way in Portland
- Hannaford, 295 Forest Avenue in Portland
- Hannaford, 44 Moosehead Trail in Newport
- Dysart's Restaurant and Truck Stop, 530 Coldbrook Road in Hermon
- Airport Mall, 1129 Union Street in Bangor
- Hannaford, 773 Stillwater Avenue in Bangor
- Town of Rumford River Street Lot, 50 River Street in Rumford
- Shaw's Plaza, 770 Roosevelt Trail in Windham
- Nouria, 443 Portland Road in Bridgton
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News Release for April 1, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
GORHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing Route 237 (Mosher Road) in Gorham today as crews work to repair a sinkhole that formed because of a culvert failure. The impacted location is approximately a half-mile north of the intersection of Routes 237 and 25. Crews are working to assess the damage and plan repair work. Signs will direct drivers to a detour route that uses Libby Avenue and Route 4/202.
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News Release for April 1, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
UPDATE:
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree will also be attending.
ROCKLAND - On Tuesday, Recharge Maine - the state's initiative to develop a statewide network of public, high-speed electric vehicle (EV) chargers - will celebrate the opening of the first EV charging stations in Maine funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The five NEVI-funded chargers are among a bank of eight new Tesla charging stations located in the parking lot of the Hannaford in Rockland. Maine is the fifth station in the nation to have NEVI-funded charging stations come online.
WHO:
Shailen Bhatt, Federal Highway Administrator
U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree
Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation
Spencer R. Thibodeau, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy
Mike Scarpino, States & Corridor Electrification Technical Assistance Deployment Manager, Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
Shatorah Roberson, Policy Advisor, Tesla
George Parmenter, Brand Lead Health & Sustainability, Hannaford
WHAT:
Press conference at the site of the new NEVI-funded EV chargers
WHERE:
Hannaford
75 Maverick Street
Rockland, ME 04841
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 2nd
10:00 a.m.
NOTE TO MEDIA:
You may park in the Rockland Plaza parking lot, but please do not park near the store entrances.
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News Release for March 19, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WATERVILLE/WINSLOW - The Maine Department of Transportation will be performing emergency repair work on the Carter Memorial Bridge tonight. This bridge carries Route 137 between Waterville and Winslow. It is also being used as a detour route during construction on the Ticonic Bridge to the north. MaineDOT crews will be working to repair a loose bridge joint on the west side of the bridge. Work will begin at 7:00 p.m. and be finished by 6:00 a.m. During this overnight work, there will be a single-lane, alternating traffic pattern.
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News Release for March 18, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SACO - The Maine Department of Transportation is continuing work to reconstruct and expand the Saco park-and-ride lot on Industrial Park Road. On-site work is scheduled to resume on March 25th. During construction, the lot will be closed, and a temporary lot will be available a half-mile north on Industrial Park Road. Signage will direct drivers to the temporary lot. This project will expand the number of parking spaces from 128 to 152 including six van-accessible spots. This project will also involve the installation of improved bus and pedestrian facilities and new overhead lighting. This work is anticipated to be finished in October. The contractor for this work is Shaw Brothers Construction of Gorham. The contract amount is approximately $923,000.
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News Release for March 1, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
SEARSPORT - The Maine Department of Transportation and its contracting partners are continuing work on a project to rehabilitate and reconstruct Route 1 in downtown Searsport.
On-site construction began in June. Work will resume next week. Beginning on Tuesday, March 5th, southbound traffic will follow a detour that involves Mortland, Old County, and Prospect Roads. This detour is expected to be in place until October 15th.
The anticipated construction completion date for all work is in June of 2025.
The work area begins at Savage Road and extends north for nearly two miles to Station Avenue. The project involves the addition of a center left-turn lane between Trundy Road and Station Avenue. This work will also involve eliminating gaps in sidewalks to create a continuous accessible route downtown for pedestrians. MaineDOT is working with the town to install pedestrian lighting and brick sidewalks.
The contractor on this project is Gordon Contractors of Sangerville. The contract amount is $17,758,548. This project is the recipient of $9.2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending.
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News Release for February 9, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
WATERVILLE/WINSLOW - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing the Ticonic Bridge to all traffic during nighttime hours next week to accommodate ongoing construction work that requires access to the entire bridge. The Ticonic Bridge carries Bridge Street (Routes 137 and 201) over the Kennebec River between Waterville and Winslow.
These full closures are scheduled to run from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. They will begin on the night of Sunday, February 11th and end on the morning on Friday, February 16th. Full night closures will also occur the following week, running from the night of Sunday, February 18th through the morning of Friday, February 23rd.
All vehicles should us the posted detour south to the Carter Memorial Bridge. All pedestrian traffic should continue to utilize the Two Cent Bridge detour to the north. Detour routes will be signed.
The bridge will be open to two lanes of eastbound vehicular traffic during daytime hours; pedestrian traffic will continue to use Two Cen Bridge.
On-site construction to replace the Ticonic Bridge began in April 2023 and is expected to be finished by May 2027. The contractor on this project is Cianbro of Pittsfield. The construction contract amount is $52.9 million. This project is the recipient of a 2020 Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for $25 million.
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News Release for January 31, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
MaineDOT Seeking Bidders for Pilot Commuter Bus Service Linking Portland and Lewiston/Auburn
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation has published a Request for Proposal, seeking bidders for a pilot program to provide commuter bus service between Portland and Lewiston/Auburn.
MaineDOT is advancing the design and implementation of a minimum two-year pilot commuter bus service that provides a level of frequency and service envisioned by recent rail studies of this corridor. The goal is to begin the service in the first half of 2024. This pilot bus service will serve as an indicator of the latent demand and potential market for enhanced public transportation between the Portland and Lewiston/Auburn regions.
Throughout the summer and fall of 2023, MaineDOT and consultant Cambridge Systematics gathered stakeholder input and analyzed several potential routes, ultimately identifying a preferred alternative that includes stops at Bates College, the Oak Street Bus Station in Lewiston, the Auburn Transportation Center, the Maine Turnpike Exit 75 Park and Ride in Auburn, Monument Square in Portland, and the Portland Transportation Center. Service will be provided from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends. Bidders may propose variations on the recommended route, schedule, and stops. While the focus is on workforce transportation, the service will be open for all trip purposes.
The Lewiston-Auburn to Portland Commuter Bus Implementation Study is available at https://www.maine.gov/mdot/transit/publications/.
The Request for Proposal is available here: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/cpo/rfps/. The deadline for proposals is February 26th.
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News Release for January 18, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
AUGUSTA - Today, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) released the 2024 Edition of its three-year Work Plan. It includes all capital projects and programs, maintenance and operations activities, planning initiatives, and administrative functions for calendar years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
MaineDOT's Work Plan is the primary way the department delivers on its mission: to support economic opportunity and quality of life by responsibly providing our customers with the safest and most reliable transportation system possible, given available resources.
This Work Plan contains 2,672 individual work items with a total value of $4.74 billion. This reflects increased infrastructure investments at both the federal and state levels.
"We are grateful that policymakers came together, recognized the benefits of infrastructure investments, and worked in a bipartisan way to deliver significant steps forward for transportation," said MaineDOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note. "This will help MaineDOT continue a pivot from making do to making real progress."
At the federal level, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) passed in November 2021 has allowed MaineDOT to compete for special funding in the form of competitive discretionary grant programs and Congressionally Directed Spending. With thoughtful grant applications and the continued support of our Congressional delegation, federal transportation funding coming to Maine should more than double from pre-BIL levels.
At the state level, Governor Mills and lawmakers unanimously supported a state Highway Fund budget in June 2023 that took a significant step toward addressing the chronic underfunding of transportation. These expanded and new ongoing funding sources could not have come at a better time, given reduced fuel tax revenue projections, opportunities to use state funding to increase federal funding, and the need for state-funded capital projects.
"Transportation will always be a big job in Maine, and challenges will always exist, but now is the time for MaineDOT and its partners to ramp up and deliver," continued Van Note. "We can make a real difference with this Work Plan. That is both invigorating and uplifting."
This Work Plan includes more bridge projects, more durable highway projects, more village and downtown projects, more transit and active transportation investments, more port improvements, and more adaptation to climate impacts.
"We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at MaineDOT to keep delivering projects that improve economic opportunity and quality of life for the people of our great state," said Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors of Maine. "AGC is preparing to meet the demand for increased production by investing in workforce development through the creation and expansion of the Maine Construction Academy. This programming, which includes pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and incumbent workforce up-skilling, will support growth of the construction and transportation workforce both now and into the future."
This Work Plan continues to advance Maine's efforts to combat the impacts of climate change. MaineDOT aims to lead by example by supporting data-driven and practical actions to both reduce emissions in the transportation sector and increase the resiliency of infrastructure across the state.
"Recent storms in Maine and beyond have caused devastation in so many communities, a stark reminder of why we need to make transportation stronger and more resilient," said Maria Fuentes, Executive Director of the Maine Better Transportation Association (MBTA). "MBTA is hopeful that any increase in funding will translate into more investments for more durable infrastructure - more rebuilding and reconstruction of roads, bridges, tracks, culverts, and other needs. No longer can we rely on 'patch and pray;' the state needs to make significant investments in our aging infrastructure to meet the needs of today and the future or risk the peril of falling too far behind."
The availability of discretionary federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been a game-changer for transportation funding in Maine. This Work Plan contains more than $1 billion in funding from U.S. Department of Transportation competitive grant programs and Congressionally Directed Spending awards. Many of the major projects in MaineDOT's Work Plan involve these special funding sources. They include:
- Reconstruction of Route 1 between Frenchville and Fort Kent - recipient of a $27.7-million Rural Surface Transportation (Rural) Grant.
- Safety and mobility improvements throughout North Windham - recipient of a $31.2-million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant.
- Strategic deployment of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the state - recipient of a $15-million Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program Grant.
- Improvements to culverts and fish passage in Downeast Maine, Central Maine, and the Sandy River Watershed - recipient of a $27-million Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (Culvert AOP) Grant.
- Upgrades to the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad between Lewison and Bethel - recipient of a $19.5-million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant.
- The design and construction of a hybrid ferry that will carry passengers and vehicles between Lincolnville and Islesboro - recipient of a $28-million Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program Grant.
- Improvements to Portland's International Marine Terminal - recipient of a $17.8-million Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) Grant.
"The Town of Fort Kent is successfully working with the Maine Department of Transportation on an exciting and transformative Village Partnership Initiative project to make some necessary changes within our downtown," said Suzie Paradis, Fort Kent Town Manager. "This work will help revitalize the downtown district areas, improve the quality of life for the town's residents, attract more visitors, and support small businesses."
The largest and most heavily used component of Maine's transportation system is its vast network of state highways and bridges. Accordingly, this Work Plan invests more than $3 billion in this aspect of our system. These investments include:
- $846.2 million for 267 bridge projects.
- $684 million for 285 miles of highway construction and rehabilitation.
- $678 million for 1,348 miles of preservation paving.
- $618 million for highway and bridge maintenance and operations work.
- $235.4 million in transit investments.
- $220 million for aviation.
- $204.8 million for capital freight projects.
- $165.5 million for capital projects to support the development of ports and marine infrastructure.
- $127.1 million in support of ferry projects.
- $68 million in stand-alone investments for active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.)
- $52.1 million for Amtrak Downeaster operations.
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News Release for January 12, 2024
For more Information:
Paul Merrill, Director of Communications - 207-215-9297
FARMINGTON FALLS - The Maine Department of Transportation is removing the temporary detour bridge that was being using during the construction of the new Farmington Falls Bridge, which carries Route 41 over the Sandy River between Chesterville and Farmington. The temporary bridge has been closed to traffic and pedestrians due to damage it sustained during the December 18th storm. MaineDOT has made the decision to remove the temporary bridge rather than repair it. The contractor will proceed with completing the new bridge as quickly as possible. We anticipate the new bridge could open to traffic this summer - ahead of the original schedule of opening the bridge in 2025. On-site work began in November 2021. Additional signage will be installed in the area to notify travelers to seek alternate routes.
The contractor on this project is Wyman & Simpson, Inc. of Richmond. The contract amount is $10.4 million.
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Have a Press Inquiry?
Contact Paul Merrill.
Phone: 207-624-3355 or 207-215-9297
Email: [email protected]
Address: 24 Child St., Augusta, ME 04330
