DOT: Maine interstate detour smooth, CMV drivers urged to use turnpike

Efforts will be intensified to encourage commercial drivers and commuters going all the way to Portland to use the turnpike.

The Associated Press

6/16/2008

TOPSHAM, Maine — State transportation officials say traffic was moving smoothly on the first morning commuters were being diverted from a busy Maine interstate highway to clear the way for a major highway reconstruction project.

The 10-week diversion began Monday as the state began an 18-mile road-repair project on Interstate 295's southbound lanes from Gardiner to Topsham. Motorists were being diverted onto the Maine Turnpike or onto U.S. Route 201.

The Transportation Department's Meg Lane says that while traffic is flowing steadily, there's more commercial traffic on Route 201 than planners had anticipated. Lane says efforts will be intensified to encourage commercial drivers and commuters going all the way to Portland to use the turnpike.