There's a brand new exit on the Maine Turnpike that will begin construction in February that aims to alleviate some of the traffic issues in the region, but it will take some time before it's completed.

Sargent Corporation will begin construction on a new Exit 35 in Saco at a cost of $42 million. Before you cry "our tax-paying dollars for this?" just relax. The Maine Turnpike is completely self-funded through tolls, so you only pay for what you use. Kind of like living in a town where you buy town trash bags instead of paying taxes for trash collection.

The new interchange will have four new ramps and two new toll plazas for southbound and northbound traffic at Route 112 near XL Sports World.

Maine Turnpike Authority
Maine Turnpike Authority
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A lot of work needs to be done though. Sargent plans to start moving equipment to the site in mid-February and will begin construction and tree clearing sometime in March.

The Turnpike will be widened between Exit 36 and the new Exit 35 and Route 112 will also be widened and traffic lights put in at the intersections near the toll plazas.

There's a whole bunch of work that needs to be done to make this happen. Here's the list:

  • Earthwork
  • Pavement
  • Concrete
  • Signing
  • Overhead sign structures
  • Concrete barriers
  • Guardrails
  • Drainage
  • Stormwater management
  • Electrical work
  • Highway lighting
  • Lightning suppression systems
  • Installation of tolling equipment
  • Administration buildings
  • Canopies
  • Toll booths
  • Maintenance of traffic

When you see it all in a list, you understand just how much work goes into making the Maine Turnpike easier traveling for all of us.

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