Work began last month in making improvements on both the northbound and southbound sides of I-295 between Topsham and Gardiner. However, work that will cause significant traffic impacts began on Monday, May 20.

Work by Maine Department of Transportation 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 the interstate work zones, according to MDOT, in a news release. 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,” said MDOT.

Daytime construction improves safety while also reducing costs to Maine taxpayers, said the release. 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. The work is scheduled to be completed in November.