PORTLAND - The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing Route 1/Veranda Street under I-295 in Portland on Monday, April 18th at 2:00 p.m. The road will remain closed for one week to accommodate bridge replacement work on I-295. Route 1/Veranda Street is scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 25th at 2:00 p.m.
The Route 1/Veranda Street closure is part of the project that will involve the full closure of I-295 between Exits 9 and 10. That interstate closure is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22nd to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 25th. During the weekend interstate closure, crews will rapidly demolish the old bridge and move the new bridge into place using Self-propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs).
This project is using Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC). This technique will replace the aging interstate bridge and limit interstate traffic disruptions to only a few days compared to three or four years using conventional bridge replacement methods. We know this period will be extremely disruptive to residents and travelers, and we thank them for their patience and understanding while we complete this important work.
Members of the traveling public should avoid this area during this period if possible especially during the interstate closure weekend. Those who must travel during the closure should expect major delays. Detour maps are available on www.verandaplan.org. That site also has a live camera feed of the project. This will be the best view of the work. We are asking the public not to visit the site during the construction process.
Beginning the week of May 2nd, there will be overnight lane and ramp closures while our crews and contracting partners complete this project.
NOTE TO MEDIA: MaineDOT Director of Communications Paul Merrill will be available near the project site on Monday afternoon. Call or text 207-215-9297 to schedule an interview. Thank you for your help in spreading this important message.