AARoads Forum

Regional Boards => Northeast => Topic started by: mightyace on March 04, 2009, 12:40:49 PM

Title: Maine
Post by: mightyace on March 04, 2009, 12:40:49 PM
Progress?

Last coin machine gone from Maine Turnpike (http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4026)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Voyager on March 06, 2009, 10:01:10 PM
What do they use now?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: mightyace on March 07, 2009, 02:34:12 AM
IIRC The article said that the coin lane was being replaced with an EZ-Pass only lane.  I think there are still attended lanes, at least at the mainline plazas.  Plus, all cash tolls are now multiples of $1 since a Feb. 1 toll increase.

Plus, over 50% of the travelers use EZ-Pass.  (Since there is a 50-60% discount for EZ-Pass, I can see why.)  Only 10% were using the coin lanes.

This is just what I read as I've never been on the Maine Turnpike.  I welcome any corrections from anyone who actually has been there.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: mightyace on August 13, 2009, 11:08:25 PM
Maine Turnpike puts off widening project on lower traffic forecast (http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4301)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on May 27, 2014, 02:44:20 PM
MDOT will be raising speed limits on much of the state's interstate system, between Portland and Old Town:

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Speed_limt_on_much_of_Maine_Turnpike__I-295_ro_rise_to_70_mph.html
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on May 27, 2014, 09:15:24 PM
Here's another story about the speed limit increase, from WCSH-TV (NBC) channel 6 of Portland:

http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/local/augusta-waterville/2014/05/27/speed-limits-increased/9633159/

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pilgrimway on June 15, 2014, 02:03:46 PM
Quote from: yakra on May 27, 2014, 02:44:20 PM
MDOT will be raising speed limits on much of the state's interstate system, between Portland and Old Town:

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Speed_limt_on_much_of_Maine_Turnpike__I-295_ro_rise_to_70_mph.html

That's been done.  I drove to Bangor this weekend and a lot of I95 is at 70 mph now, especially north of Portland.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: hotdogPi on June 15, 2014, 02:20:27 PM
Quote from: Pilgrimway on June 15, 2014, 02:03:46 PM
Quote from: yakra on May 27, 2014, 02:44:20 PM
MDOT will be raising speed limits on much of the state's interstate system, between Portland and Old Town:

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Speed_limt_on_much_of_Maine_Turnpike__I-295_ro_rise_to_70_mph.html

That's been done.  I drove to Bangor this weekend and a lot of I95 is at 70 mph now, especially north of Portland.

They're moving the change further south.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on June 15, 2014, 09:35:05 PM
I was up there the first week of June, and by then everything had been bumped up 5 MPH (sans Maine Tpke and I-95 north of Old Town where it's already 75). By everything, that would be all the stuff I was on, I-295, I-395, I-95 around Bangor, and US 1 in Bath/Brunswick.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on June 16, 2014, 12:21:12 AM
I believe bits of 395 were bumped by 10 MPH.
295 retained its 55 & 50 MPH zones from its southern terminus thru Portland; only the 65 MPH zones were increased.
I was a little surprised to see 70 MPH start that far south; I would have retained 65 until Exit 31 in Topsham.
The Scarborough Connector is now also posted for 60 MPH. On the first day of the new limit, I got stuck behind a bozo doing 35 in the 60 zone. Yeesh.

I believe the changeover happened May 27, *maybe* May 26.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on August 11, 2014, 10:56:55 AM
http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/local/2014/08/11/dot-turnpike-speed-limits-70-mph/13884393/

A chunk of the Maine Turnpike was raised to 70 MPH on Monday, August 11th.

(Jackie Ward in the black and green for the video...she is sweet!)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on August 11, 2014, 12:28:59 PM
It'll be interesting to see if NH follows suit after evaluating the safety of this in Maine.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on August 11, 2014, 12:43:01 PM
The drive up to Orono just became that much easier!  :clap:
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: 1995hoo on August 11, 2014, 12:52:56 PM
Do I recall correctly that the Maine legislature passed a statute allowing speed limits of up to 75 on any segment of Interstate, such that it's just a case of the authorities deciding not to post anything above 70 except on the segment already posted at 75? Just curious–I haven't been to Maine in a few years and have no basis for commenting on whether or where 75 might be reasonable and I just want to refresh my own recollection on what exactly they allowed.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on August 11, 2014, 01:10:49 PM
75 MPH would only work on the stretch north out of Bangor, heading up to Houlton and the New Brunswick border. The main reason for the lower speed limit north of Mile Marker 44 up to Falmouth is due to traffic through the west end of Portland and the fact that much of that section is only two lanes on each side. (Exit 44 at Mile Marker 44 is for I-295 North, which takes you through South Portland and then into downtown Portland.) When they widened the Maine Turnpike a few years ago, the northern end of the project was at Exit 44.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: 1995hoo on August 11, 2014, 01:56:23 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on August 11, 2014, 01:10:49 PM
75 MPH would only work on the stretch north out of Bangor, heading up to Houlton and the New Brunswick border. The main reason for the lower speed limit north of Mile Marker 44 up to Falmouth is due to traffic through the west end of Portland and the fact that much of that section is only two lanes on each side. (Exit 44 at Mile Marker 44 is for I-295 North, which takes you through South Portland and then into downtown Portland.) When they widened the Maine Turnpike a few years ago, the northern end of the project was at Exit 44.

Sure, but that wasn't really my question. What I was trying to confirm is whether the legislature indeed allowed 75, regardless of whether it's posted or would work on a given segment.

I can picture Exit 44. "mtantillo" of this forum called it the Tourist Exit because it's so easy for traffic leaving the Turnpike to avoid the toll there by going to Exit 45 instead.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on August 11, 2014, 06:07:59 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 11, 2014, 12:28:59 PM
It'll be interesting to see if NH follows suit after evaluating the safety of this in Maine.
You mean like this (http://www.pressherald.com/2013/12/27/faster_speed_limit__later_bar_hours_will_take_effect_in_n_h__/)?  Or like this (http://nhpr.org/post/bills-would-increase-speed-limits-i-89-route-101-70-mph)?

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 11, 2014, 01:56:23 PM
I can picture Exit 44. "mtantillo" of this forum called it the Tourist Exit because it's so easy for traffic leaving the Turnpike to avoid the toll there by going to Exit 45 instead.
Also the "roadgeeks who need to clinch I-295" exit.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: hotdogPi on August 11, 2014, 06:13:28 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 11, 2014, 06:07:59 PM
Also the "roadgeeks who need to clinch I-295" exit.

I think that can be done by going in the other direction.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on August 11, 2014, 06:23:11 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 11, 2014, 06:13:28 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 11, 2014, 06:07:59 PM
Also the "roadgeeks who need to clinch I-295" exit.
I think that can be done by going in the other direction.
Correct.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: mtantillo on August 11, 2014, 07:18:39 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 11, 2014, 06:13:28 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 11, 2014, 06:07:59 PM
Also the "roadgeeks who need to clinch I-295" exit.

I think that can be done by going in the other direction.

Or the local commuter exit. If you are a local commuter with a Maine-issued E-ZPass, your tolls are distance-based. So it is sometimes a nickel cheaper to exit at 295 than at Maine Mall. But for non-locals with any out of state E-ZPass or no E-ZPass, you are throwing your money down the drain by using that exit.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: 1995hoo on August 11, 2014, 08:16:46 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 11, 2014, 06:13:28 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 11, 2014, 06:07:59 PM
Also the "roadgeeks who need to clinch I-295" exit.

I think that can be done by going in the other direction.

As yakra said, that's correct, and when you're going southbound there's no advantage to bypassing the I-295 toll plaza at that interchange because you'd also pay if you entered via the Maine Mall route. I did precisely all this last time I was there going to and from Nova Scotia–exited at Exit 45 on the way up, entered via Exit 44 on the way home. I'm not all that big on worrying about avoiding tolls, but to me the toll when you exit via Exit 44 comes across as a middle-finger gesture to out-of-staters who can be assumed not to know how easy it is to avoid it. (The Delaware Turnpike toll feels like one too, though to me it feels less so because it takes longer to bypass it than it does to bypass the one in Maine.)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on August 11, 2014, 08:28:19 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 11, 2014, 06:07:59 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 11, 2014, 12:28:59 PM
It'll be interesting to see if NH follows suit after evaluating the safety of this in Maine.
You mean like this (http://www.pressherald.com/2013/12/27/faster_speed_limit__later_bar_hours_will_take_effect_in_n_h__/)?  Or like this (http://nhpr.org/post/bills-would-increase-speed-limits-i-89-route-101-70-mph)?

I interpreted that message as being in reference to raising the speed limit on I-95. 

Personally, I think VT needs to jump on the "higher speed limit" bandwagon.  Personally, I think I-91 north of St J could go to 75, with most of the rest of the state being bumped up to 70 mph (60 mph through Burlington and White River Jct). 
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on August 11, 2014, 11:23:45 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on August 11, 2014, 01:10:49 PM
75 MPH would only work on the stretch north out of Bangor, heading up to Houlton and the New Brunswick border. The main reason for the lower speed limit north of Mile Marker 44 up to Falmouth is due to traffic through the west end of Portland and the fact that much of that section is only two lanes on each side.
Traffic is not a reason to lower a speed limit. Higher frequency of interchanges, obstructed sight distance (sound walls or buildings), or more curvature (vertical or horizontal) are valid.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Duke87 on August 11, 2014, 11:28:14 PM
Quote from: mtantillo on August 11, 2014, 07:18:39 PM
Or the local commuter exit. If you are a local commuter with a Maine-issued E-ZPass, your tolls are distance-based. So it is sometimes a nickel cheaper to exit at 295 than at Maine Mall.

How does that work, though? How can they determine where you exited if you leave at a ramp with no toll?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on August 12, 2014, 07:10:16 PM
They have gantries going across the direction without the toll plaza.  Maine is one of those states that likes to be a jerk to out of state motorists.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on August 12, 2014, 07:14:37 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on August 11, 2014, 08:28:19 PM

Quote from: vdeane on August 11, 2014, 06:07:59 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 11, 2014, 12:28:59 PM
It'll be interesting to see if NH follows suit after evaluating the safety of this in Maine.
You mean like this (http://www.pressherald.com/2013/12/27/faster_speed_limit__later_bar_hours_will_take_effect_in_n_h__/)?  Or like this (http://nhpr.org/post/bills-would-increase-speed-limits-i-89-route-101-70-mph)?

I interpreted that message as being in reference to raising the speed limit on I-95. 

Personally, I think VT needs to jump on the "higher speed limit" bandwagon.  Personally, I think I-91 north of St J could go to 75, with most of the rest of the state being bumped up to 70 mph (60 mph through Burlington and White River Jct).

Yeah, I was referring to I-95 through the Seacoast. Sorry for the ambiguity.

And I totally agree on I-91 but I would even go down to north of WRJ. I've driven I-91 from WRJ to St. Johnsbury and been the only car on the road in the middle of the day.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on August 13, 2014, 08:00:52 AM
As a regular user of I-91 north of WRJ, I'd say 70 is doable, but 75 is starting to push it with some of the curves, hills, and sight lines.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Duke87 on August 13, 2014, 09:41:18 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 12, 2014, 07:10:16 PM
They have gantries going across the direction without the toll plaza.  Maine is one of those states that likes to be a jerk to out of state motorists.

Ah, I see. Their website explains it and you can see the readers on Street View.

I can understand out of state not getting a discount, that's normal. But the idea that cash/out of state pays by a barrier/ramp toll system while in-state EZpass pays on a closed ticket system is just strange.

I seem to recall reading about how the turnpike originally was a closed ticket system but they converted to barrier/ramp toll when they started adding interchanges and decided it was easier to switch systems than build them all to the larger specifications a ticket system requires with cash payment. So, basically, they for whatever reason decided to put EZpass users back on the ticket system when they implemented it. Odd.

Obviously AET wasn't a viable idea yet when they first signed up in 2005, so they couldn't just do that.

Has the Maine Turnpike given any indication of implementing AET in the future? What percentage of users have EZPass?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Beeper1 on August 14, 2014, 12:44:03 AM
Maine Turnpike Authority voted earlier this year against implementing AET, presumably due to the percentage of EZ-Pass users not being high enough.

They have been adding high speed EZ-Pass lanes to their mainline barriers. New Gloucester barrier had them added two years ago, and they are planned for the new York barrier, if/when that is ever built. 
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on August 14, 2014, 06:25:58 PM
I really wish the IAG would force Maine to use distance for all E-ZPass transactions.  Even without price, it's silly to force out of states to endure a bunch of extra lines on their statement.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on August 14, 2014, 07:54:13 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 12, 2014, 07:14:37 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on August 11, 2014, 08:28:19 PM

Quote from: vdeane on August 11, 2014, 06:07:59 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 11, 2014, 12:28:59 PM
It'll be interesting to see if NH follows suit after evaluating the safety of this in Maine.
You mean like this (http://www.pressherald.com/2013/12/27/faster_speed_limit__later_bar_hours_will_take_effect_in_n_h__/)?  Or like this (http://nhpr.org/post/bills-would-increase-speed-limits-i-89-route-101-70-mph)?

I interpreted that message as being in reference to raising the speed limit on I-95. 

Personally, I think VT needs to jump on the "higher speed limit" bandwagon.  Personally, I think I-91 north of St J could go to 75, with most of the rest of the state being bumped up to 70 mph (60 mph through Burlington and White River Jct).

Yeah, I was referring to I-95 through the Seacoast. Sorry for the ambiguity.

And I totally agree on I-91 but I would even go down to north of WRJ. I've driven I-91 from WRJ to St. Johnsbury and been the only car on the road in the middle of the day.

I was up there this May and drove I-91 from White River Jct. to Newbury (US 302) early on a rainy Saturday morning. Swear I was the only car on 91 for miles around.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on August 14, 2014, 08:08:29 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on August 14, 2014, 07:54:13 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 12, 2014, 07:14:37 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on August 11, 2014, 08:28:19 PM

Quote from: vdeane on August 11, 2014, 06:07:59 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 11, 2014, 12:28:59 PM
It'll be interesting to see if NH follows suit after evaluating the safety of this in Maine.
You mean like this (http://www.pressherald.com/2013/12/27/faster_speed_limit__later_bar_hours_will_take_effect_in_n_h__/)?  Or like this (http://nhpr.org/post/bills-would-increase-speed-limits-i-89-route-101-70-mph)?

I interpreted that message as being in reference to raising the speed limit on I-95. 

Personally, I think VT needs to jump on the "higher speed limit" bandwagon.  Personally, I think I-91 north of St J could go to 75, with most of the rest of the state being bumped up to 70 mph (60 mph through Burlington and White River Jct).

Yeah, I was referring to I-95 through the Seacoast. Sorry for the ambiguity.

And I totally agree on I-91 but I would even go down to north of WRJ. I've driven I-91 from WRJ to St. Johnsbury and been the only car on the road in the middle of the day.

I was up there this May and drove I-91 from White River Jct. to Newbury (US 302) early on a rainy Saturday morning. Swear I was the only car on 91 for miles around.

I once saw a car hydroplane, spin out in the road, not go on the grass, collect his car and keep going. There was so little traffic that I was able to watch this from afar and so little traffic that he was able to do that and not get hit.

This was just north of WRJ at Exit 13 (Norwich) and during the middle of the day.

When I lived in the area, it was often eerie how empty I-91 would be at night.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on September 07, 2014, 08:56:47 PM
I noticed something on a couple of road signs today. This was while stuck in slowed (and nearly stopped) traffic on I-95 South in Kittery, ME:

This sign was already here. It's actually after the Maine Turnpike toll plaza in York. The sign is probably a good 2 miles from the NH state line.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F299JnL2.jpg&hash=47fa30ba39e2b99f18a514bc149cc24c37e25970)

The bottom rectangle on these two signs were only placed there within the last year or so. Why was it making me think of Pennsylvania or some other state?  :-P
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F0oXbwbP.jpg&hash=467356f22fe1b259344e830b58ea5c4492cd188f)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FRaijCgT.jpg&hash=3e36cd97e92b54a97b4129554afad00fdabd399a)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: 1995hoo on September 08, 2014, 09:54:24 AM
I still think the first of those signs makes it sound like "E-ZPass" is the name of a corporate sponsor–you know, kind of like how some media outlets persist in listing the corporate sponsors when referring to college football bowl games, such as the "Discover Orange Bowl" or the like: "Now Leaving the E-ZPass Maine Turnpike."
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: PHLBOS on September 08, 2014, 05:42:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 08, 2014, 09:54:24 AM
I still think the first of those signs makes it sound like "E-ZPass" is the name of a corporate sponsor–you know, kind of like how some media outlets persist in listing the corporate sponsors when referring to college football bowl games, such as the "Discover Orange Bowl" or the like: "Now Leaving the E-ZPass Maine Turnpike."
What's even weirder is that the E-Z Pass logo appears to be blue rather than the usual purple.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on September 08, 2014, 05:45:34 PM
It actually is purple. It might have been the angle of the sun and/or my camera. The EZ-Pass signs at and near the York toll plaza were indeed purple. :)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on September 08, 2014, 05:59:36 PM
Speaking of the York toll plaza, I noticed on my way up to Orono that the Turnpike authority replaced the BGSs just before the tolls. Here's what they were before:
(https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6025/5916874185_b0f30f7268_z.jpg)

And now they look like this:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/15179998021_626dac9dda_z.jpg)

And for those who haven't seen it, the new speed limit on the Turnpike:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/15159988896_1e6eca1b57_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Duke87 on September 08, 2014, 07:44:01 PM
"Now leaving the EZPass Thank You! Maine Turnpike"

So apparently either somebody forgot how to put words in the right order, or the Maine Turnpike has entered into a very interesting naming rights deal!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on September 08, 2014, 08:01:05 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on September 08, 2014, 07:44:01 PM
"Now leaving the EZPass Thank You! Maine Turnpike"

So apparently either somebody forgot how to put words in the right order, or the Maine Turnpike has entered into a very interesting naming rights deal!

Originally, in place of the EZ-Pass logo was this one....

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fryeisland.com%2Fimages%2Flogo.gif&hash=3666fed2af757068422c7ab353ddf74713c7aabb)

So I guess it made more sense then. 
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on September 09, 2014, 02:32:01 PM
Grant goes toward Sarah Long Bridge replacement
http://m.wcsh6.com/topstories/article?a=15321819&f=2272
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on October 27, 2014, 08:52:43 PM
I drove US 1 south through Brunswick yesterday afternoon. Didn't have time to explore, but I noticed that all the ME 24 signage starting at the ME 196 interchange has been replaced with ME 24 Business signage. Most likely, ME 24 has been rerouted onto US 1 from the Cook's Corner interchange, and then ME 196, leaving via Bypass Drive to reconnect to the old route Middlesex Road.
I'll try to get up that way and snap some photos soon.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on December 19, 2014, 05:38:36 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2014/12/18/maine-turnpike-authority-finds-support-for-latest-york-toll-plan/

http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/local/2014/12/19/york-toll-plaza-high-speed/20629019/

Talk once again about the placement of a new replacement York toll plaza on I-95. The new location? Only 400 to 500 feet north of the current plaza, which more residents seem to favor. That's because it would less disruptive than other proposals and for the fact that the Maine Turnpike owns most of the land for it already.

P.S. The Portland Press Herald site goes behind a pay window after 10 "free" articles per month.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on January 05, 2015, 12:49:09 PM
This bridge was mentioned in the "bridges on bridges" thread. Looks like it's being replaced:

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa1501.cfm

Sarah Mildred Long Bridge between Kittery and Portsmouth, NH to be replaced beginning this year. New bridge expected to open in late 2017.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on January 05, 2015, 02:38:18 PM
Why do all the renderings show no lift segment for the rail line?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on January 05, 2015, 03:19:33 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on January 05, 2015, 02:38:18 PM
Why do all the renderings show no lift segment for the rail line?

I was wondering the same thing. Maybe they're 2 separate lift segments (rail lifts up to just under road level when rail not in use)?

Edit: Not explicitly stated, but NHDOT's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NHDOT) implies that this is the case:

QuoteThe span will only be lowered when it's occasionally needed to accommodate rail traffic from the nearby Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on January 05, 2015, 06:03:07 PM
I figured it was something like that.  This must be how they intend to reduce openings by 60-something percent. 

I have to say, I have always kind of enjoyed sitting on a warm night with the car off as the Long bridge opened. 
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on January 05, 2015, 06:04:58 PM
http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/local/kittery/2015/01/05/sarah-long-bridge-maine-nh-construction/21276819/

The story about the bridge from WCSH-TV (NBC) channel 6 of Portland, ME.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on January 06, 2015, 01:09:27 AM
I smell a Kittery meet in 2016.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Dougtone on January 06, 2015, 12:40:17 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 05, 2015, 06:04:58 PM
http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/local/kittery/2015/01/05/sarah-long-bridge-maine-nh-construction/21276819/

The story about the bridge from WCSH-TV (NBC) channel 6 of Portland, ME.
I want to say that there were issues with the Sarah Long Bridge around the time of the Portsmouth meet in 2013 and that a story broke about a proposal for constructing a new bridge at the time.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on February 07, 2015, 12:49:42 PM
http://bangordailynews.com/2015/02/03/news/bangor/legislative-hearing-over-i-395-connector-reignites-15-year-controversy/

The print version had a nice picture of the alignment options being discussed.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on February 25, 2015, 04:23:13 PM
http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/local/bangor/2015/02/25/car-pile-up-i-95/23985905/

Yikes! NBC of Portland mentioned this big mishap that closed I-95 North in Bangor, the morning of February 25th.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sipes23 on February 26, 2015, 11:52:46 AM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on February 25, 2015, 04:23:13 PM
http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/local/bangor/2015/02/25/car-pile-up-i-95/23985905/

Yikes! NBC of Portland mentioned this big mishap that closed I-95 North in Bangor, the morning of February 25th.

That even made the WGN-TV news in Chicago. It looked awful.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: roadman65 on February 27, 2015, 08:09:02 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.132431,-67.783568,3a,75y,70.3h,84.01t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sx91Dk95HwmXj1C1OFfDrjA!2e0

Can someone tell me if this building in the picture adjacent to the asphalt area is the original customs facility back when US 2 ended at the US border?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: amroad17 on February 27, 2015, 08:13:41 PM
Looks like it could have been.  Or... it could have been a gas station.    :hmmm:
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: NE2 on February 27, 2015, 08:32:01 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 27, 2015, 08:09:02 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.132431,-67.783568,3a,75y,70.3h,84.01t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sx91Dk95HwmXj1C1OFfDrjA!2e0

Can someone tell me if this building in the picture adjacent to the asphalt area is the original customs facility back when US 2 ended at the US border?

Yes, someone can: http://usends.com/00-09/002e/002e.html
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: amroad17 on February 27, 2015, 09:01:41 PM
Question answered.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on June 12, 2015, 08:52:11 PM
Outsides of businesses...why are there TWO Maine route 25s? Business ME 25 was the end of Brighton Avenue near the Westbrook town line.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVqe0rfe.jpg&hash=92d33a5b1b0e5c2e79f911a185ddaf5db2f9121b)

HOLY CRAP! Is this leftover eyesore from the 1970s? Look at the backing for the old Maine radio station!  :wow:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZOm4zB1.jpg&hash=588cd33f0d74eacd289ae0051788e4f35655ab29)

Westbrook needs all of these welcome signs...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fy2G6AT9.jpg&hash=e529adc32c8692e7ddbb8779355ac449879e53d4)

Because the shrubbery all but obscured the MAINE DOT town line sign!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrZFKYew.jpg&hash=1546a2ae72ccdae8b049b6905f588c598de6695c)

Walking over I-95, I couldn't quite tell what construction this was referring to.  :hmmm:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FLLRa46c.jpg&hash=abc427d8025c02fd629c02a465d6edd624c3246a)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on June 13, 2015, 12:44:09 AM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on June 12, 2015, 08:52:11 PM
Outsides of businesses...why are there TWO Maine route 25s? Business ME 25 was the end of Brighton Avenue near the Westbrook town line.
Not sure what you mean here. There's a business route and a mainline route. (Or... am I missing something?)

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on June 12, 2015, 08:52:11 PMWalking over I-95, I couldn't quite tell what construction this was referring to.  :hmmm:
There appears to be something going on (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMHHWfSe4TE) at the west end of the Falmouth Spur AKA unsigned I-495. I see it from the Blackstrap Road overpass occasionally, but almost never need to use this part of the Turnpike itself. So *what* exactly said construction is, I can't really say. There are similar advisories posted on I-295 approaching the Falmouth Spur.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on June 17, 2015, 10:17:28 AM
http://www.pressherald.com/2015/06/15/maine-transportation-department-starts-project-to-improve-i-295-ramps-in-portland/

The Press Herald website only lets you read 10 free articles a month. This is basically about making safety improvements with Exit 6 of I-295 (Forest Avenue) in Portland, near Deering Oaks Park and USM-Portland.

There was also a different article about residents making noise complaints about I-295 in Freeport, after the Maine DOT made work on a massive tree cutting and removal project, etc.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on July 17, 2015, 11:02:13 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2015/07/17/report-maine-turnpike-could-save-20-million-with-new-york-toll-plaza-site/

Yet another article about the Maine Turnpike toll plaza being relocated a distance north of the existing on in York.

(The P.P.H. site does the pay-window thing after 10 "free" articles a month. You've been warned!)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on July 18, 2015, 01:19:21 PM
I find it interesting that the Maine DOT attempts to maximize toll revenue by routing people along I-95 between Portland and Augusta. The control city for I-95 at north end of I-295 is Portland and at the south end Augusta. I imagine that only out of towners would be fooled by this and would think that I-95 is the most efficient way to get between the two locations.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on July 18, 2015, 03:26:45 PM
IIRC, the MTA experienced a small but noticeable uptick in revenue after the Interstates were renumbered in 2004.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: jwolfer on July 18, 2015, 11:21:19 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 18, 2015, 01:19:21 PM
I find it interesting that the Maine DOT attempts to maximize toll revenue by routing people along I-95 between Portland and Augusta. The control city for I-95 at north end of I-295 is Portland and at the south end Augusta. I imagine that only out of towners would be fooled by this and would think that I-95 is the most efficient way to get between the two locations.
That is why i95 is incomplete in NJ
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on July 19, 2015, 07:21:20 AM
And here I thought 95 was incomplete in NJ because of a combination of Princeton NIMBY's and a slowpoke PTC.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: DeaconG on July 19, 2015, 08:21:54 AM
Somebody had a rough night last night.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: mrsman on July 19, 2015, 04:06:56 PM
Well, there are enough people who simply follow the numbered designation that few would go around even to avoid a toll and even when the alternate way is not much longer in time.

One example is I-295 in NJ compared to NJTP.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Sykotyk on July 19, 2015, 06:30:18 PM
There's enough people who get directions somewhere slightly long-distance and are near I-95 and know their destination includes "I95 north, exit 182, bla bla" and won't even consider that I-95 might not be the most efficient route between the two points. NYC to Bangor?  Probably 684/84/90/290/495/95/295/95. But, I'm sure there's enough non-GPS drivers that took I-95 straight through Providence and the 128 around Boston because it is what it is.

I had a friend drive west to Kansas City once on I-70 and stayed on I-70 through St. Louis, despite I-270 (and even I-370) shortening the route and/or just making it more enjoyable than the overloaded stretch of I-70 by the airport. And that was before the new bridge.

He had done it a few times before I told him about I-270, he insisted that the loop would be longer as it would go out and around the city and it was easier to drive 'straight through'. It wasn't until I got him to actually look at a map that he realized his mistake.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: ixnay on July 19, 2015, 06:42:21 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on July 17, 2015, 11:02:13 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2015/07/17/report-maine-turnpike-could-save-20-million-with-new-york-toll-plaza-site/

Yet another article about the Maine Turnpike toll plaza being relocated a distance north of the existing on in York.

(The P.P.H. site does the pay-window thing after 10 "free" articles a month. You've been warned!)

Literally twice as generous as the Cumberland (MD) Times-News or the Delaware County (PA) Daily Times.

ixnay
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on July 19, 2015, 07:07:10 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on July 19, 2015, 06:30:18 PM
There's enough people who get directions somewhere slightly long-distance and are near I-95 and know their destination includes "I95 north, exit 182, bla bla" and won't even consider that I-95 might not be the most efficient route between the two points. NYC to Bangor?  Probably 684/84/90/290/495/95/295/95. But, I'm sure there's enough non-GPS drivers that took I-95 straight through Providence and the 128 around Boston because it is what it is.

I had a friend drive west to Kansas City once on I-70 and stayed on I-70 through St. Louis, despite I-270 (and even I-370) shortening the route and/or just making it more enjoyable than the overloaded stretch of I-70 by the airport. And that was before the new bridge.

He had done it a few times before I told him about I-270, he insisted that the loop would be longer as it would go out and around the city and it was easier to drive 'straight through'. It wasn't until I got him to actually look at a map that he realized his mistake.

There are people who actually drive I-95 from NYC to Maine?

You don't even need a map to realize how inefficient that is. A quick look at a map shows that I-95's east-west run through Connecticut results in a longer trip.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: J Route Z on July 19, 2015, 07:24:25 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 19, 2015, 07:07:10 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on July 19, 2015, 06:30:18 PM
There's enough people who get directions somewhere slightly long-distance and are near I-95 and know their destination includes "I95 north, exit 182, bla bla" and won't even consider that I-95 might not be the most efficient route between the two points. NYC to Bangor?  Probably 684/84/90/290/495/95/295/95. But, I'm sure there's enough non-GPS drivers that took I-95 straight through Providence and the 128 around Boston because it is what it is.

I had a friend drive west to Kansas City once on I-70 and stayed on I-70 through St. Louis, despite I-270 (and even I-370) shortening the route and/or just making it more enjoyable than the overloaded stretch of I-70 by the airport. And that was before the new bridge.

He had done it a few times before I told him about I-270, he insisted that the loop would be longer as it would go out and around the city and it was easier to drive 'straight through'. It wasn't until I got him to actually look at a map that he realized his mistake.

There are people who actually drive I-95 from NYC to Maine?

You don't even need a map to realize how inefficient that is. A quick look at a map shows that I-95's east-west run through Connecticut results in a longer trip.

Any way to get to Maine is long. Just watch out for moose crossing and you'll be fine!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: OracleUsr on July 19, 2015, 11:14:51 PM
I was curious about something.  I remember in the early 80's at (I think it was) the York Toll Plaza on I-95 Northbound, they had signs over the toll plazas that would flash a message of some kind.

Anyone remember this and know what the messages were?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Zeffy on July 19, 2015, 11:18:33 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 19, 2015, 07:07:10 PM
There are people who actually drive I-95 from NYC to Maine?

You don't even need a map to realize how inefficient that is. A quick look at a map shows that I-95's east-west run through Connecticut results in a longer trip.

I-95 is the most well known highway (probably in the country). Of course they are going to follow I-95.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on July 19, 2015, 11:27:05 PM
Quote from: J Route Z on July 19, 2015, 07:24:25 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 19, 2015, 07:07:10 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on July 19, 2015, 06:30:18 PM
There's enough people who get directions somewhere slightly long-distance and are near I-95 and know their destination includes "I95 north, exit 182, bla bla" and won't even consider that I-95 might not be the most efficient route between the two points. NYC to Bangor?  Probably 684/84/90/290/495/95/295/95. But, I'm sure there's enough non-GPS drivers that took I-95 straight through Providence and the 128 around Boston because it is what it is.

I had a friend drive west to Kansas City once on I-70 and stayed on I-70 through St. Louis, despite I-270 (and even I-370) shortening the route and/or just making it more enjoyable than the overloaded stretch of I-70 by the airport. And that was before the new bridge.

He had done it a few times before I told him about I-270, he insisted that the loop would be longer as it would go out and around the city and it was easier to drive 'straight through'. It wasn't until I got him to actually look at a map that he realized his mistake.

There are people who actually drive I-95 from NYC to Maine?

You don't even need a map to realize how inefficient that is. A quick look at a map shows that I-95's east-west run through Connecticut results in a longer trip.

Any way to get to Maine is long. Just watch out for moose crossing and you'll be fine!

Moose jokes aren't as funny if you've been in a car that was a few feet from hitting one on US 4 south of Fort Edward, NY several years ago
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on July 20, 2015, 12:40:57 AM
Quote from: cl94 on July 19, 2015, 11:27:05 PM
Quote from: J Route Z on July 19, 2015, 07:24:25 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 19, 2015, 07:07:10 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on July 19, 2015, 06:30:18 PM
There's enough people who get directions somewhere slightly long-distance and are near I-95 and know their destination includes "I95 north, exit 182, bla bla" and won't even consider that I-95 might not be the most efficient route between the two points. NYC to Bangor?  Probably 684/84/90/290/495/95/295/95. But, I'm sure there's enough non-GPS drivers that took I-95 straight through Providence and the 128 around Boston because it is what it is.

I had a friend drive west to Kansas City once on I-70 and stayed on I-70 through St. Louis, despite I-270 (and even I-370) shortening the route and/or just making it more enjoyable than the overloaded stretch of I-70 by the airport. And that was before the new bridge.

He had done it a few times before I told him about I-270, he insisted that the loop would be longer as it would go out and around the city and it was easier to drive 'straight through'. It wasn't until I got him to actually look at a map that he realized his mistake.

There are people who actually drive I-95 from NYC to Maine?

You don't even need a map to realize how inefficient that is. A quick look at a map shows that I-95's east-west run through Connecticut results in a longer trip.

Any way to get to Maine is long. Just watch out for moose crossing and you'll be fine!

Moose jokes aren't as funny if you've been in a car that was a few feet from hitting one on US 4 south of Fort Edward, NY several years ago

When I went on a camping trip in NH a few years back, we had to stop and let a family of them cross the street. They're no joke.

And granted, following I-95 only loses you maybe 30 minutes or so, assuming you make it through Providence and Boston with no issues. It's not a terrible decision by any means. I'm just surprised that more people don't look at a map and realize that it's easier to take a shortcut.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on July 20, 2015, 12:55:40 AM
Back in 2003, before I was a roadgeek who'd committed the route to memory, a blown fuse took my interior light out of commission, preventing me from reading my written directions. So for simplicity, I stayed on I-95 all the way from I-278 to Scarborough.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sipes23 on July 23, 2015, 05:11:11 PM
Quote from: yakra on July 20, 2015, 12:55:40 AM
Back in 2003, before I was a roadgeek who'd committed the route to memory, a blown fuse took my interior light out of commission, preventing me from reading my written directions. So for simplicity, I stayed on I-95 all the way from I-278 to Scarborough.

And to tie your mention of the 04074 (fond memories) and moose in this thread, it's the only place I've come close to hitting one. I was tooling down the Payne Road at about 50, and there it was. Square in the road. It turns out that my brakes did work, but just enough to not hit it.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on July 23, 2015, 10:32:56 PM
You must've been down Payne Road quite a distance then! The northern end of becomes commercial pretty quick once by the South Portland city line! I walked it to Gallery Boulevard a while back and nothing was out of the ordinary! Of course, it was in the middle of the afternoon, but still. :)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on July 24, 2015, 03:30:21 PM
ME26 has been truncated by one block. Two days ago, I noticed that the END sign is now posted at the corner of Cumberland Avenue.

Used to be, that despite the END sign posted at Congress St, on paper (or, in the shapefiles if you prefer) the designation turned south on Cumberland to end at State St (AKA ME77 south north). However, NO signage in the field reflected this.

Now, even the shapefiles (2014-10-28 file date; DATE_MOD attribute = 2014-10-26, FWIW) and field signage agree: Mile 0 is at Cumberland & Washington.)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Dougtone on July 25, 2015, 11:11:59 AM
An article about nine scenic drives around the State of Maine.
http://themainemag.com/play/a-list/2730-scenic-drives.html (http://themainemag.com/play/a-list/2730-scenic-drives.html)

The article includes drives around the coast near Acadia National Park, Moosehead Lake and more.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on August 23, 2015, 09:03:53 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2011/10/27/its-a-plot_2011-10-27/ (http://www.pressherald.com/2011/10/27/its-a-plot_2011-10-27/)

There's a bit here about the Hatch-Mitchell Cemetery right at the side of the Maine Turnpike in Kennebunk.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on August 24, 2015, 07:07:40 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 23, 2015, 09:03:53 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2011/10/27/its-a-plot_2011-10-27/ (http://www.pressherald.com/2011/10/27/its-a-plot_2011-10-27/)

There's a bit here about the Hatch-Mitchell Cemetery right at the side of the Maine Turnpike in Kennebunk.

I think I'll pass on the pet cemetery. Thanks Stephen King for that.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on August 24, 2015, 10:53:38 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 23, 2015, 09:03:53 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2011/10/27/its-a-plot_2011-10-27/ (http://www.pressherald.com/2011/10/27/its-a-plot_2011-10-27/)

There's a bit here about the Hatch-Mitchell Cemetery right at the side of the Maine Turnpike in Kennebunk.

Hah, I've passed by that cemetery probably hundreds of times and was always curious about it. Thanks for the link!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: 1995hoo on August 25, 2015, 10:29:24 AM
Quote from: OracleUsr on July 19, 2015, 11:14:51 PM
I was curious about something.  I remember in the early 80's at (I think it was) the York Toll Plaza on I-95 Northbound, they had signs over the toll plazas that would flash a message of some kind.

Anyone remember this and know what the messages were?

I can't say I remember signs at the toll plaza that flashed a message, but I recall there was some sort of overhead sign shortly after you crossed the bridge on I-95 from New Hampshire that would flash a "SLOW DOWN" sort of message (I do not remember the exact words) if you were going "too fast." The sign flashed at my father every time we went through there, which is why I remember there being something like this. I do not remember any such sign being there on my most recent trip through Maine in 2008, but then I wasn't speeding either (as an experiment I was seeing how it would be if I just went 65 the whole time).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: PHLBOS on August 25, 2015, 10:38:52 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2015, 10:29:24 AM
Quote from: OracleUsr on July 19, 2015, 11:14:51 PM
I was curious about something.  I remember in the early 80's at (I think it was) the York Toll Plaza on I-95 Northbound, they had signs over the toll plazas that would flash a message of some kind.

Anyone remember this and know what the messages were?

I can't say I remember signs at the toll plaza that flashed a message, but I recall there was some sort of overhead sign shortly after you crossed the bridge on I-95 from New Hampshire that would flash a "SLOW DOWN" sort of message (I do not remember the exact words) if you were going "too fast." The sign flashed at my father every time we went through there, which is why I remember there being something like this. I do not remember any such sign being there on my most recent trip through Maine in 2008, but then I wasn't speeding either (as an experiment I was seeing how it would be if I just went 65 the whole time).
Those flash/light-up signs that you're referring to were ones that reminded motorists that the speed limit, at the time, was 55 mph.  If one drove faster than 55; the sign would light-up or flash SPEED OVER 55 TOO FAST.  The signs were taken down once 65 mph speed limits returned to Maine circa 1987-1988.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on August 25, 2015, 12:10:02 PM

Quote from: Dougtone on July 25, 2015, 11:11:59 AM
An article about nine scenic drives around the State of Maine.
http://themainemag.com/play/a-list/2730-scenic-drives.html (http://themainemag.com/play/a-list/2730-scenic-drives.html)

The article includes drives around the coast near Acadia National Park, Moosehead Lake and more.

Great list.  I'm particularly fond of the Rangeley/Mooselookmeguntic route.  Fall's a great time to wander around Maine, as is every other time.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on September 15, 2015, 08:11:57 PM
I like how Old Orchard Beach was added to this entrance sign, like an afterthought! Many French people finishing their shopping at the Maine Mall, heading back to said resort town? This one is at the end of the Maine Turnpike approach road in South Portland:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FN2rr493.jpg&hash=722aea4578b733027fdd1b79ed3f6374cd600c65)

This onramp sign is by Exit 45, west of PWM-Portland Jetport, close to the Portland/South Portland town line:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FAcBjhQx.jpg&hash=3de377bf1c71fc6a0eae208f39d5705c180a6552)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on September 15, 2015, 08:23:06 PM
I'm not a terribly huge fan of Kittery as a control city (and it appears as such as far north as Augusta). OOB should be the control city instead of Kittery.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on September 15, 2015, 09:18:41 PM
It probably won't appear, as you'd have to access it from Exit 36 (I-195 East Saco/O.O.B.) first. I think Biddeford or York would make more sense.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on September 15, 2015, 09:34:33 PM
Kittery was likely used because it's the last town in the state along 95.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on September 15, 2015, 09:35:44 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on September 15, 2015, 09:18:41 PM
It probably won't appear, as you'd have to access it from Exit 36 (I-195 East Saco/O.O.B.) first. I think Biddeford or York would make more sense.

I-195 is such a short 3di that it still isn't unreasonable to use it as a control city. Boston is an I-95 control city and as we know, I-95 never actually goes into Boston and Boston is even farther from I-95 than OOB is.

And I always assumed that Kittery was used because Maine DOT didn't want to sign "Portsmouth NH" and just figured that Kittery would be close enough.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on September 15, 2015, 10:04:03 PM
Kittery has a bunch of stuff going on - popular shopping and day destination, Weathervane (like Red Lobster but good). I've always been a fan of keeping it on signs.


(Plus it sounds like "kitty," which may be that reason I can't put my finger on why I like the name so much. That and the Weathervane and Bypass 1, all of which I thought were cool as balls as a kid.)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on September 15, 2015, 10:17:59 PM
Quote from: Alps on September 15, 2015, 10:04:03 PM
Kittery has a bunch of stuff going on - popular shopping and day destination, Weathervane (like Red Lobster but good). I've always been a fan of keeping it on signs.


(Plus it sounds like "kitty," which may be that reason I can't put my finger on why I like the name so much. That and the Weathervane and Bypass 1, all of which I thought were cool as balls as a kid.)

I mean, I'm with you on the shopping destination but Weathervane is a Northern New England based chain that happens to have its only Maine location in Kittery.

(And its corporate headquarters oddly enough)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on September 16, 2015, 07:55:18 PM
I still hate states as control cities.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FOfvzTp9.jpg&hash=2f1d963c6927a8fc3d0a5c9e2cbefe675ef55f4a)

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: PHLBOS on September 17, 2015, 08:21:52 AM
Quote from: Alps on September 15, 2015, 10:04:03 PM(Plus it sounds like "kitty," which may be that reason I can't put my finger on why I like the name so much.
My brother used to refer to Kittery as Kitty-rie.

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on September 16, 2015, 07:55:18 PM
I still hate states as control cities.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FOfvzTp9.jpg&hash=2f1d963c6927a8fc3d0a5c9e2cbefe675ef55f4a)
That's an old sign which predated MUTCD's ban on using states as control destinations.  Chances are the listing will change to actual cities (Portsmouth/Boston perhaps) if it's replaced (many pull-throughs get eliminated vs. replaced).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on September 17, 2015, 05:00:57 PM
Funny thing with those control "cities"...

Look in the distance on the Exit 2 c&d roadway... that assembly was recently replaced, gantry signs and all, a couple years ago, and it still has the "New Hampshire/Massachusetts" control points as does the mainline pullthrough.  But, the onramp from US 1 South at this location had its points changed to "Portsmouth/Boston".  Not to mention the pullthroughs on I-95 NB in Portsmouth which are also recent installations which either say "To All Maine Points", "Maine Points", or just "Maine". 

So you never know. 
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on September 17, 2015, 05:28:10 PM
As soon as you hit the bridge at the state line, you get the first I-95 South pull through sign which reads "Hampton/Boston".
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2015, 05:45:04 PM

Quote from: The Nature Boy on September 15, 2015, 08:23:06 PM
I'm not a terribly huge fan of Kittery as a control city (and it appears as such as far north as Augusta). OOB should be the control city instead of Kittery.

I don't think of OOB as a big destination.  I vacationed there once, but it still feels like a pretty minor destination.  Kittery has a state line, and Portsmouth next door.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on September 17, 2015, 07:09:46 PM
I still think Biddeford would make more sense than Kittery.

Just for fun, I'm wondering when the Scarborough connector highway was built. I can imagine how different the traffic patter near the Maine Mall would be without it.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on September 17, 2015, 08:19:27 PM
I've always wondered why BGSs for the Scarborough Connector leave out the BEACH in OLD ORCHARD BEACH, as seen here:
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.630853,-70.313356,3a,66.8y,222.13h,87.81t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sUcdN3d16nTht9Ut0hdhBEg!2e0

Older signage, from the Maine Tpke east/west Access Road at this location also say "OLD ORCHARD".

Also, it would make more sense, since US 1 has been rerouted in Portland onto I-295, to reroute US 1 onto the Scarborough Connector.  Then extend US 1A down to the southern end of the connector over present US 1.

The Maine Turnpike Access Road is also signed as a "secret route" of sorts... small mile markers along the route call it "703".  Google Maps calls the Scarborough Connector "701".  Anywhere else in Maine have secret routes, or is it more of a turnpike authority thing?  Though I don't think the SC is part of the turnpike authority.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on September 17, 2015, 09:13:48 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2015, 05:45:04 PM

Quote from: The Nature Boy on September 15, 2015, 08:23:06 PM
I'm not a terribly huge fan of Kittery as a control city (and it appears as such as far north as Augusta). OOB should be the control city instead of Kittery.

I don't think of OOB as a big destination.  I vacationed there once, but it still feels like a pretty minor destination.  Kittery has a state line, and Portsmouth next door.

Old Orchard Beach appears on signs on the Augusta area and is on mileage signs whereas Kittery really isn't. For at least consistency's sake, I would sign OOB that far north. Or at the very least Biddeford or even Saco.

It does seem odd to me that NH and MA refuse to sign Portland, Maine as a control city. I can understand MA but for NH to just use "Maine" or "All Maine Points" just strikes me as odd.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2015, 10:04:22 PM
You're right in one sense, at least–if I were going to Fryeburg, Bridgton, or Sunday River, I'd probably go up the Spaulding Turnpike.

But I like something about the absoluteness of "All Maine Points."
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on September 17, 2015, 10:25:30 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2015, 10:04:22 PM
You're right in one sense, at least–if I were going to Fryeburg, Bridgton, or Sunday River, I'd probably go up the Spaulding Turnpike.

But I like something about the absoluteness of "All Maine Points."

It does seem like a nifty way for NH to get all of the Maine bound tourists out of their state as quickly as possible.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2015, 11:25:42 PM

Quote from: The Nature Boy on September 17, 2015, 10:25:30 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2015, 10:04:22 PM
You're right in one sense, at least–if I were going to Fryeburg, Bridgton, or Sunday River, I'd probably go up the Spaulding Turnpike.

But I like something about the absoluteness of "All Maine Points."

It does seem like a nifty way for NH to get all of the Maine bound tourists out of their state as quickly as possible.

And admittedly, that's a lot of us.

"Pay your toll, buy your booze, move along."
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: PHLBOS on September 18, 2015, 08:45:52 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on September 17, 2015, 09:13:48 PMIt does seem odd to me that NH and MA refuse to sign Portland, Maine as a control city.
From Exit 58 (MA 110) northward; Portland, ME is indeed listed on some I-95 northbound ramp signage.

Entrance ramp from Main St. near MA 286 (Exit 60) (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Salisbury,+MA/@42.8694717,-70.8832343,3a,75y,75.54h,81.97t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sSH2w81hgIzE7kaT4R2xACw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DSH2w81hgIzE7kaT4R2xACw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D173.29596%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89e2e6d5a74a4507:0xf6809518a4f99e40!6m1!1e1)

Intersection of Main St. and MA 286, the D6 panel uses KITTERY, ME (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8678882,-70.8807382,3a,75y,286.46h,73.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7U8fM8ZGGWQgYezPjkxzCw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1)

I-95 northbound on ramp signage from MA 110 westbound shows both Portland & Kittery on 2 separate BGS' (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8444778,-70.9000593,3a,75y,299.76h,108.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdbR46VHMfMUXMJIZ8v3y4w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1)

I believe that Kittery (actually Kittery, ME) is now listed on some distance BGS' along I-95 northbound in MA as well.  I don't believe that Portland was ever listed on any distance signs along I-95 in MA.

From what I've been told (mainly by Roadman); the reasoning for MassDOT using Kittery for a few I-95 northbound signs is due to the fact that many Bay Staters trek to the Maine Outlet stores (which are located in Kittery).

I-95 northbound entrance ramp signs south of Exit 58 (at least those that list 2 destinations) use Salisbury (the last town in MA) along with Portsmouth, NH.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on September 18, 2015, 09:26:12 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2015, 11:25:42 PM

Quote from: The Nature Boy on September 17, 2015, 10:25:30 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2015, 10:04:22 PM
You're right in one sense, at least–if I were going to Fryeburg, Bridgton, or Sunday River, I'd probably go up the Spaulding Turnpike.

But I like something about the absoluteness of "All Maine Points."

It does seem like a nifty way for NH to get all of the Maine bound tourists out of their state as quickly as possible.

And admittedly, that's a lot of us.

"Pay your toll, buy your booze, move along."

Yep. I love how New Hampshire has liquor stores in the rest areas and right near the borders. When living in Lake George, we took at least one trip a year to the liquor store in Lebanon to stock up. A lot cheaper, especially when gas was $1.20.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on September 18, 2015, 12:12:05 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on September 17, 2015, 08:19:27 PM
I've always wondered why BGSs for the Scarborough Connector leave out the BEACH in OLD ORCHARD BEACH, as seen here:
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.630853,-70.313356,3a,66.8y,222.13h,87.81t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sUcdN3d16nTht9Ut0hdhBEg!2e0
Pulling this response outta me bum here, but not wanting to have to use larger sign panels?

Quote from: shadyjay on September 17, 2015, 08:19:27 PMAlso, it would make more sense, since US 1 has been rerouted in Portland onto I-295, to reroute US 1 onto the Scarborough Connector.  Then extend US 1A down to the southern end of the connector over present US 1.
I've thought about that. The snag here is that the local road name of U.S. Route 1 is... U.S. Route 1. So at least the segment north of the Connector would have to be renamed. (I rather like "First Cumberland Turnpike", but that may not be historically accurate this far north.) Considering all the businesses with U.S. Route 1 addresses, that's got to be a non-starter. Perhaps US 1 Bypass as a workable compromise...

Quote from: shadyjay on September 17, 2015, 08:19:27 PMThe Maine Turnpike Access Road is also signed as a "secret route" of sorts... small mile markers along the route call it "703".  Google Maps calls the Scarborough Connector "701".
It's not just Google; the Connector has the small mile markers as well. Just those, and no other signage anywhere else. Not the best idea for Google to mark the route as such IMO.

Quote from: shadyjay on September 17, 2015, 08:19:27 PMAnywhere else in Maine have secret routes, or is it more of a turnpike authority thing?  Though I don't think the SC is part of the turnpike authority.
I believe the Scarborough Connector is not part of the MTA.
No other secret  routes that I'm aware of, though, did route 702 get skipped over, or is that one out there somewhere? I've wondered about the Brunswick (lower-case 'c'; it has no proper name AFAIK) connector from I-295 Exit 28 to US 1. No mile markers on it yet that I've seen though.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on September 18, 2015, 01:10:40 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2015, 11:25:42 PM

Quote from: The Nature Boy on September 17, 2015, 10:25:30 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2015, 10:04:22 PM
You're right in one sense, at least–if I were going to Fryeburg, Bridgton, or Sunday River, I'd probably go up the Spaulding Turnpike.

But I like something about the absoluteness of "All Maine Points."

It does seem like a nifty way for NH to get all of the Maine bound tourists out of their state as quickly as possible.

And admittedly, that's a lot of us.

"Pay your toll, buy your booze, move along."

As a former New Hampshire resident who now lives in Maine, it amazes me how much more tourist traffic Maine gets. I see so many cars with MA plates up here every weekend.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on September 18, 2015, 08:04:21 PM
From what I saw on Monday afternoon, Portland was on NONE of the I-95 northbound mileage signs. Kittery? Yes.

New Hampshire's "rest area" is still there, close to MM 5 in Hampton.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FDTfiebx.jpg&hash=df4778d50803ee2ab1648a2157b527a5e3c5f5d5)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on September 18, 2015, 08:09:55 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on September 18, 2015, 08:04:21 PM
From what I saw on Monday afternoon, Portland was on NONE of the I-95 northbound mileage signs. Kittery? Yes.

New Hampshire's "rest area" is still there, close to MM 5 in Hampton.
[Imgur](http://i.imgur.com/DTfiebx.jpg)

The rest area will always be there. Even if counted separately, the three I-95 "rest areas", the one just off US 3, and the one at I-93 Exit 1 likely make more than every other liquor store in New Hampshire combined and are probably five of the highest-grossing liquor stores in the country. Those things are a cash cow for New Hampshire.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on September 18, 2015, 08:26:17 PM
Interesting to note the NB liquor store on I-95 in Hampton (NH) was only built during the 1990s, the SB facility was already there. 

I wonder if those liquor stores will eventually get converted to service plazas like the ones on I-93 in Hooksett got last year... conversion to full food and fuel services. 

Meanwhile....

Those are some interesting Google maps "streetview" clips of Portland ME" being used as a control point on I-95 approach ramps in that part of Mass.  As previously stated, there is no mention of anything other than "Kittery ME" on the mainline, and that being on mileage signs.  BGSs have only listed "Portsmouth NH", and before that, "NH-Maine".  I still think "NH-Maine" is a descent control destination for I-95 in that area of Mass, but the MUTCD doesn't like states as control points.  From a trip on that portion of I-95 last summer, up to Exit 57, only Portsmouth NH is listed on onramps, paired with Salisbury.  Didn't know Portland got mentioned as well, until now.
Title: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 19, 2015, 10:59:29 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on September 18, 2015, 08:26:17 PM
Interesting to note the NB liquor store on I-95 in Hampton (NH) was only built during the 1990s, the SB facility was already there. 

I wonder if those liquor stores will eventually get converted to service plazas like the ones on I-93 in Hooksett got last year... conversion to full food and fuel services. 

I'll bet they see how Hooksett does first.  At Hooksett they got very ambitious with the creativity, something that really bucks the trend in an industry dominated by the Host Marriott/McDonald's models of chain food courts.  Hooksett asks a little more from the customer as far as adjusting to what they don't already expect. 

That said, I think they did a nice job.  I hope people spend enough money there to validate the concept.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on September 20, 2015, 10:44:58 AM
WCAX ran a piece (http://www.wcax.com/story/29807893/record-year-for-liquor-sales-in-nh) last month about how New Hampshire had record liquor sales this past fiscal year, and they (and state officials) attributed some of it to the revamped Hooksett plazas.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on November 14, 2015, 07:59:31 PM
I was on I-95/Maine Turnpike both yesterday and today (November 13/14) up to Exit 44 in Scarborough. Regular unleaded gas at the Kennebunk rest area was $2.429. Is it always higher there than on other routes for the sake of convenience? A couple of stations I passed on US Route 1 between Chelsea and Peabody, MA were between $2.059 and $2.109.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: PHLBOS on November 16, 2015, 08:22:16 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on September 18, 2015, 08:26:17 PMThose are some interesting Google maps "streetview" clips of Portland ME" being used as a control point on I-95 approach ramps in that part of Mass.  As previously stated, there is no mention of anything other than "Kittery ME" on the mainline, and that being on mileage signs. 
...
From a trip on that portion of I-95 last summer, up to Exit 57, only Portsmouth NH is listed on onramps, paired with Salisbury.  Didn't know Portland got mentioned as well, until now.
Portland/Portland, ME only shows up on I-95 northbound entrance ramp signage from MA 110 (Exit 58) and northward.  Such was true even back in the NH-Maine listing era.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on November 16, 2015, 02:32:55 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on November 14, 2015, 07:59:31 PM
I was on I-95/Maine Turnpike both yesterday and today (November 13/14) up to Exit 44 in Scarborough. Regular unleaded gas at the Kennebunk rest area was $2.429. Is it always higher there than on other routes for the sake of convenience? A couple of stations I passed on US Route 1 between Chelsea and Peabody, MA were between $2.059 and $2.109.

I've passed through the Kennebunk and W. Gardiner stations in the past couple of days. The food and gas are always more expensive there. I hate it myself because Kennebunk is a frequent stop when coming back from Boston. I never get gas there but will eat there.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on November 20, 2015, 10:03:47 PM
The new York toll plaza may finally get built! :)

http://www.pressherald.com/2015/11/19/turnpike-oks-controversial-york-plaza-location/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on November 23, 2015, 12:37:40 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on November 20, 2015, 10:03:47 PM
The new York toll plaza may finally get built! :)

http://www.pressherald.com/2015/11/19/turnpike-oks-controversial-york-plaza-location/

Yes!

Finally something to help with the summer traffic.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on March 22, 2016, 12:13:05 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/03/21/maine-turnpike-bets-on-fast-food-between-portland-and-lewiston/

Starbucks getting swapped out with Burger King for the Turnpike rest areas north of Portland, starting next week.

QuoteThe rest stops at Mile 58 southbound in Cumberland and Mile 59 northbound in Gray will close Monday for nine weeks so the two Starbucks can be turned back into Burger Kings.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 22, 2016, 11:58:09 PM
Quote...turned back into Burger Kings.
...or, as we'd say in Maine, Burger King's. ;)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Nature Boy on March 23, 2016, 12:45:34 AM
Quote from: yakra on March 22, 2016, 11:58:09 PM
Quote...turned back into Burger Kings.
...or, as we'd say in Maine, Burger King's. ;)

I think that that might just be a rural thing. I also heard people do the same thing in North Carolina.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on March 23, 2016, 02:12:08 AM
I often wonder why Exit 25 in Kennebunk is at the service plaza. Were they ever planned to be further apart?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Beeper1 on March 23, 2016, 10:55:27 PM
I believe the service plaza pre-dates the exit by a few years. 

The Kennebunk service plazas have existed at this location since the turnpike was first opened in 1947.  However, when the highway originally opened between Kittery and South Portland, interchanges were much farther apart, with intermediate interchanges only at Wells and Saco.   The interchanges at York, Kennebunk, Biddeford, and Scarboro were built a few years later (sometime early/mid 1950s).  The Kennebunk exit/entrance was built in its current arrangement around the service plazas at that time.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: billpa on March 26, 2016, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on March 22, 2016, 12:13:05 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/03/21/maine-turnpike-bets-on-fast-food-between-portland-and-lewiston/

Starbucks getting swapped out with Burger King for the Turnpike rest areas north of Portland, starting next week.

QuoteThe rest stops at Mile 58 southbound in Cumberland and Mile 59 northbound in Gray will close Monday for nine weeks so the two Starbucks can be turned back into Burger Kings.
Why not have both?

SM-T230NU

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on March 26, 2016, 10:04:26 PM
Quote from: billpa on March 26, 2016, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on March 22, 2016, 12:13:05 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/03/21/maine-turnpike-bets-on-fast-food-between-portland-and-lewiston/

Starbucks getting swapped out with Burger King for the Turnpike rest areas north of Portland, starting next week.

QuoteThe rest stops at Mile 58 southbound in Cumberland and Mile 59 northbound in Gray will close Monday for nine weeks so the two Starbucks can be turned back into Burger Kings.
Why not have both?

SM-T230NU

Space constraints. Service plazas only have room for one or the other. Much smaller than the typical plaza in other states. Take a look for yourself (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8242502,-70.3204873,3a,33y,55.15h,88.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-TQFgoU7IQ2HtrdU-wYbBQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Beeper1 on March 27, 2016, 12:08:30 AM
These two plazas are very small, as this part of the turnpike has very low AADT.  Before they were rebuilt in the mid-00s, these were some of the only service plazas I knew of that were not open 24 hours.  They would close from 11pm-5am.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 27, 2016, 12:52:23 AM
Quote from: cl94 on March 26, 2016, 10:04:26 PM
Space constraints. Service plazas only have room for one or the other. Much smaller than the typical plaza in other states. Take a look for yourself (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8242502,-70.3204873,3a,33y,55.15h,88.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-TQFgoU7IQ2HtrdU-wYbBQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).
Off-topic: October 2015 imagery, huh? Looks like this image was taken on either the 4th or the 6th.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: billpa on March 27, 2016, 04:40:46 AM
Quote from: cl94 on March 26, 2016, 10:04:26 PM
Quote from: billpa on March 26, 2016, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on March 22, 2016, 12:13:05 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/03/21/maine-turnpike-bets-on-fast-food-between-portland-and-lewiston/

Starbucks getting swapped out with Burger King for the Turnpike rest areas north of Portland, starting next week.

QuoteThe rest stops at Mile 58 southbound in Cumberland and Mile 59 northbound in Gray will close Monday for nine weeks so the two Starbucks can be turned back into Burger Kings.
Why not have both?

SM-T230NU

Space constraints. Service plazas only have room for one or the other. Much smaller than the typical plaza in other states. Take a look for yourself (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8242502,-70.3204873,3a,33y,55.15h,88.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-TQFgoU7IQ2HtrdU-wYbBQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).
I read the linked article after I made my comment.  Should've done it the other way around.
I was just surprised because these types of facilities can usually squeeze in another franchise in a very small space, like when you see a DD in a gas station.

HTC6525LVW

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on March 27, 2016, 04:03:01 PM
Quote from: billpa on March 27, 2016, 04:40:46 AM
Quote from: cl94 on March 26, 2016, 10:04:26 PM
Quote from: billpa on March 26, 2016, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on March 22, 2016, 12:13:05 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/03/21/maine-turnpike-bets-on-fast-food-between-portland-and-lewiston/

Starbucks getting swapped out with Burger King for the Turnpike rest areas north of Portland, starting next week.

QuoteThe rest stops at Mile 58 southbound in Cumberland and Mile 59 northbound in Gray will close Monday for nine weeks so the two Starbucks can be turned back into Burger Kings.
Why not have both?

SM-T230NU

Space constraints. Service plazas only have room for one or the other. Much smaller than the typical plaza in other states. Take a look for yourself (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8242502,-70.3204873,3a,33y,55.15h,88.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-TQFgoU7IQ2HtrdU-wYbBQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).
I read the linked article after I made my comment.  Should've done it the other way around.
I was just surprised because these types of facilities can usually squeeze in another franchise in a very small space, like when you see a DD in a gas station.

HTC6525LVW

DD doesn't bake anything onsite, so their locations can be tiny. Same with Starbucks. Burger King requires a full kitchen that probably takes up all of the available space. If the demand is there, they could probably figure out a "Starbucks Express" format where only the coffee is sold, as is done in many locations with little space.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on April 13, 2016, 02:46:23 PM
https://bangordailynews.com/2016/04/10/news/bangor/hanging-over-us-homeowners-face-uncertainty-as-i-395-plan-ramps-up/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Ghostbuster on April 13, 2016, 03:22:25 PM
Does the 395 extension have a construction date yet? And might the people in the story be politically powerful enough to kill the extension?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on April 13, 2016, 03:35:25 PM
If what was discussed in the article holds true, sounds like MaineDOT could have done a better job at public information with the project.  That said, the complaints from those directly or semi-directly affected aren't surprising.

Not sure of the necessity of that loop ramp in the SW quadrant at 395/ALT 1.  Seems they could eliminate that loop, pare down the ramp from "EB" ALT 1 to WB 395, and save some money and impacts to the health center.

But given the number of homes along both sides of Route 9 in Eddington, I'm not convinced that the selected route was the right choice.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on April 14, 2016, 12:53:09 AM
I would think that the one existing loop ramp should be fine.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on June 11, 2016, 12:10:18 PM
Looks like the diverging diamond interchange is coming to Maine at I-95 exit 187 (Hogan Road) in Bangor...

http://bangordailynews.com/2016/06/09/news/bangor/plan-for-unusual-i-95-hogan-road-exit-finds-early-support/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on July 12, 2016, 05:38:42 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/07/12/widening-of-maine-turnpike-wont-require-borrowing-toll-increases/

Talk about financing a future Turnpike widening project, which would be from Scarborough north towards Falmouth.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on August 09, 2016, 11:39:17 AM
Taking a little vacation in Maine to sightsee and clinch I-95 and I noticed a few things:

- I love the variable speed limit signs MaineDOT and MTA use
- There's still a lot of LeHay around
- Like that many exits have advances before 1 mile
- Speed limits are generally much higher than I'm used to and I don't only mean 70-75. The bump up to 70 on I-295 immediately north of downtown Portland was surprising.

From what I've seen, expressways are quite well-maintained. Kudos to Maine.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: ixnay on August 09, 2016, 07:21:28 PM
Quote from: cl94 on August 09, 2016, 11:39:17 AM
Taking a little vacation in Maine to sightsee and clinch I-95 and I noticed a few things:

...

- There's still a lot of LeHay around


LeHay???? Please explain.  I've been to Maine a total of three times in my almost 55 years (once as a destination, twice on my way to the Maritimes). :)

ixnay
Title: Re: Re: Maine
Post by: hotdogPi on August 09, 2016, 07:25:20 PM
Quote from: ixnay on August 09, 2016, 07:21:28 PM
Quote from: cl94 on August 09, 2016, 11:39:17 AM
Taking a little vacation in Maine to sightsee and clinch I-95 and I noticed a few things:

...

- There's still a lot of LeHay around


LeHay???? Please explain.  I've been to Maine a total of three times in my almost 55 years (once as a destination, twice on my way to the Maritimes). :)

ixnay

LeHay is a font that used to be used in Maine.
Title: Re: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on August 09, 2016, 08:26:05 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 09, 2016, 07:25:20 PM
Quote from: ixnay on August 09, 2016, 07:21:28 PM
Quote from: cl94 on August 09, 2016, 11:39:17 AM
Taking a little vacation in Maine to sightsee and clinch I-95 and I noticed a few things:

...

- There's still a lot of LeHay around


LeHay???? Please explain.  I've been to Maine a total of three times in my almost 55 years (once as a destination, twice on my way to the Maritimes). :)

ixnay

LeHay is a font that used to be used in Maine.

It was used in a few other states, New York being one of them. Elsewhere on the forums, it was mentioned that the original 65 signs in New York were LeHay (many of these never were installed due to the double nickel). I have seen it in a couple spots elsewhere in the northeast, but nowhere as often as I have been seeing it in Maine.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: ixnay on August 10, 2016, 07:21:15 AM
I thought "a lot of LeHay" was a subtle reference to something/someone "uniquely Maine".

ixnay
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on October 05, 2016, 09:42:42 PM
Just back from a few days in Midcoast Maine.  A couple things of note:

- Construction has begun on a traffic signal in Wiscasset at the US 1/ME 27 North junction.  So far, pedestrian signal heads have been installed.

- Boothbay has an initiative on the November ballot which would provide for construction of a roundabout on ME 27 in the vicinity of the town common, near Corey Ln/Back River Rd.  As far as I can tell from a Google search of news articles, the roundabout is related to a proposed redevelopment of the area.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on October 05, 2016, 10:18:21 PM
Quote from: ixnay on August 10, 2016, 07:21:15 AM
I thought "a lot of LeHay" was a subtle reference to something/someone "uniquely Maine".

ixnay

Just noticing this post, but LeHay was a "uniquely Maine" font, as it was only used in Maine (it was created by someone who worked for the DOT). Other states, like New York or Massachusetts, used a similar font to it, but they weren't quite the same.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on October 06, 2016, 10:47:30 AM
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/10/05/critics-spar-with-turnpike-officials-over-york-toll-plaza-plan/

More of the locals fighting with the Maine Turnpike fighting with locals in York about the replacement Turnpike toll plaza. Included are the Turnpike directors reasoning for not going with AET/ORT tolling:

The turnpike collected $128.2 million in tolls in 2015, and $39 million, about 30.5 percent, was in cash. The York tolls account for 40 percent of the turnpike's total cash receipts. Converting to all-electronic collection system would put about $15.5 million a year at risk because some states and Canadian provinces will not identify license plates, allowing some drivers to use the road for free, according to the authority. Other states, including Massachusetts, have had trouble collecting fares from delinquent drivers at its electronic tolls, Mills said.

Added administrative costs and lost revenue would force the authority to double the current toll to $6, which would lead some drivers to use secondary roads and add to local traffic, according to the authority.


Cut-and-pasted some of the article, since it's behind a 10-free-articles-a-month pay window.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on October 11, 2016, 09:07:37 AM
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/bath-brunswick/mdot-begins-work-to-replaced-bath-viaduct/333400671

Work to replace the US Route 1 viaduct in Bath, ME started at midnight Eastern on Tuesday morning. Several months ago, a car crashed through a guardrail and crashed onto a vehicle below.

What makes this one incredible? They want to try to get it all replaced in about 8 months!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Marf on October 13, 2016, 08:46:40 AM
Maine's first SPUI at Exit 80 in Lewiston is opening tomorrow. MDOT has recently been airing radio ads about  the interchange.

Drivers prespective: https://youtu.be/5t0UyJ3lvJE
Source: http://www.wcsh6.com/traffic/maine-turnpike-makes-major-change-to-exit-80/333929086
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on October 13, 2016, 09:01:24 AM
http://wgme.com/news/local/new-interchange-construction-begins-on-maine-turnpike

This was the same report from WGME-TV (CBS) channel 13. It'll be Maine's first SPUI interchange. I think this is the same state that has a lone diverging diamond interchange. I want to say it's with Hogan Road in Bangor.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on October 13, 2016, 09:53:11 AM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on October 13, 2016, 09:01:24 AM
I think this is the same state that has a lone diverging diamond interchange. I want to say it's with Hogan Road in Bangor.

Not yet, it's still a standard diamond. But apparently, plans are in the works to change that.

http://maine.gov/mdot/projects/bangor/ddi/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on October 13, 2016, 10:58:29 AM
The project powerpoint suggests construction won't occur until 2018-19 at the earliest.  Gotta wonder if the proposed DDI in Freeport will happen before then.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on October 13, 2016, 11:39:27 AM
It's not like Maine has much traffic to deal with. That being said, Hogan Rd is a great spot for a DDI. I stayed at the Hilton near that exit when clinching I-95 this summer and the area is quite bad by Maine standards.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on October 13, 2016, 12:30:35 PM
Compared to New York, no.  But you'd be surprised, otherwise...
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on October 15, 2016, 08:08:42 AM
http://www.wcsh6.com/travel/route-1a-still-a-safety-concern-for-drivers/336223910

A quick story about US Route 1A while on the way to Brewer and safety concerns...conflicting reports about the number of crashes, etc.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on October 18, 2016, 01:38:09 PM
SPUI? HOLY BLAP, HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS WAS HAPPENING?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on October 23, 2016, 11:03:42 PM
Saw this sign pointing down the hill toward Main Street in Belfast today.  Sure, or you can get to Route 1 that way, but it doesn't run on Main Street anymore.  What are the chances this is from before the bypass?

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5828/29895134103_97d323e8e4_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on November 02, 2016, 04:06:34 PM
The Bath Police Department has posted a video on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bathmainepd/videos/10153858645596123/) showing some of the destruction of the old US 1 viaduct over downtown Bath.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on November 06, 2016, 12:07:27 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 02, 2016, 04:06:34 PM
The Bath Police Department has posted a video on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bathmainepd/videos/10153858645596123/) showing some of the destruction of the old US 1 viaduct over downtown Bath.
MDOT has a photo gallery online: http://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/bathviaduct/photos/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on November 07, 2016, 11:44:59 AM
How old was the viaduct?  I assumed it came with the new bridge. 
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on November 07, 2016, 01:00:28 PM
The old viaduct dated to 1958, per both National Bridge Inventory and MaineDOT's project website.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Marf on December 04, 2016, 04:48:13 PM
Has anyone else noticed that the BGS's on the Exit 22 overpass on I-295 have been moved to the ground? The bridge is pretty old, so I assume that this is a structural issue.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: OracleUsr on December 04, 2016, 08:20:13 PM
Plus, the MUTCD forbids putting BGS's on the bridge, so they may be replacing the signs.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Marf on December 04, 2016, 08:29:36 PM
I was under the impression that this was legal as it is common in Maine, so is MDOT replacing them as they wear out or is there a concentrated effort to ground-mount the signs?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on December 04, 2016, 08:43:26 PM
Quote from: OracleUsr on December 04, 2016, 08:20:13 PM
Plus, the MUTCD forbids putting BGS's on the bridge, so they may be replacing the signs.
No it doesn't, at all. That's just state agency policy.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Roadrunner75 on December 12, 2016, 11:59:03 PM
Quote from: yakra on November 06, 2016, 12:07:27 PM
Quote from: froggie on November 02, 2016, 04:06:34 PM
The Bath Police Department has posted a video on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bathmainepd/videos/10153858645596123/) showing some of the destruction of the old US 1 viaduct over downtown Bath.
MDOT has a photo gallery online: http://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/bathviaduct/photos/
Wow - that was quick.  Seems we just went over this on our trip to Acadia a couple months ago.  Now if only they'd put a viaduct over Wiscasset.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on December 13, 2016, 01:17:24 AM
Quote from: Roadrunner75 on December 12, 2016, 11:59:03 PM
Now if only they'd put a viaduct over Wiscasset.
Go up Route 11 and come back down Route 1. Save yrself a little time.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Roadrunner75 on December 13, 2016, 07:59:46 PM
Quote from: yakra on December 13, 2016, 01:17:24 AM
Quote from: Roadrunner75 on December 12, 2016, 11:59:03 PM
Now if only they'd put a viaduct over Wiscasset.
Go up Route 11 and come back down Route 1. Save yrself a little time.
Yes - That seems like a reasonable shortcut.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on December 22, 2016, 06:32:42 PM
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/12/22/maine-lawmakers-propose-lowering-speed-on-white-knuckle-section-of-i-295/

I wonder if lowering the speed limit on I-295 would make any difference for a recent spike in accidents?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on December 22, 2016, 10:53:26 PM
FWIW, that segment of I-295 does have a lot of vertical (not just horizontal) curves and blind spots to where I don't think 70 MPH is appropriate.  Though I think 60 is low-balling it a little, I don't think it's a 70 MPH design speed.  Bringing it back to 65 MPH would be more appropriate.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on December 22, 2016, 11:00:40 PM
I agree that 70 is pushing it in that section. Generally, Maine has 65 mph limits in areas like that, so I agree that such a limit would be appropriate.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on January 04, 2017, 12:31:28 AM
Quote from: froggie on December 22, 2016, 10:53:26 PM
FWIW, that segment of I-295 does have a lot of vertical (not just horizontal) curves and blind spots to where I don't think 70 MPH is appropriate.  Though I think 60 is low-balling it a little, I don't think it's a 70 MPH design speed.  Bringing it back to 65 MPH would be more appropriate.
Agree 100%.
I was a bit surprised when it happened to see the the speed limit raised that far south, and thought to myself that if I ran the zoo, I'd have kept it 65 MPH south of Topsham (Exit 31, next town north of Brunswick).
I drive this section (Portland/Falmouth to Brunswick) quite regularly. I'll set cruise control to 70 MPH north of Portland, as traffic conditions allow (and turn it off pretty frequently). Plenty of traffic passes me, and I'll have to pass a bit myself. Traffic that's in the 65 MPH +/- ballpark. There's a moderate amount of speed differential. It's more pronounced at the interchanges, which all see pretty heavy use except for 24. (And maybe, 22, a bit counter-intuitively? I might be imagining that; meh...) Yes, you'll need to be attentive here, but to call it "white knuckle" is a bit sensationalist IMO. (At least, for someone obeying the speed limit in the first place? O:-) )

Quote from: cl94 on December 22, 2016, 11:00:40 PM
I agree that 70 is pushing it in that section. Generally, Maine has 65 mph limits in areas like that, so I agree that such a limit would be appropriate.
FWIW, I-95 north of 295/Turnpike/Augusta still has some lower speed limits around some of the larger towns/cities, where otherwise the speed limit was raised to 70. 65, maybe even some 60 MPH sections? Waterville (Fairfield?), Augusta, Bangor... (Newport? Prolly not? I dunno man I didn't do it. I went to Bangor in September, but don't get north of Augusta very often.)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on January 04, 2017, 05:57:47 PM
Waterville/Oakland is 65. Bangor is 60 from 182 to 187. The jump on the north to 70 is immediate, can't remember about the south side, with the jump to 75 at 193. Augusta is slow, but the rest of it from 295 to Houlton is 70+.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on February 18, 2017, 01:13:54 AM
http://www.theforecaster.net/bill-revives-south-portland-gorham-turnpike-spur/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on February 18, 2017, 06:47:38 AM
^ Hmmmmmmmmmm.... (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajfroggie/11776937995/)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: billpa on February 22, 2017, 10:51:42 AM
295 to go to 65 mph.

http://www.centralmaine.com/2017/02/22/maine-dot-to-lower-speed-limit-on-crash-prone-section-of-i-295/

HTC6525LVW

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on March 10, 2017, 09:09:21 PM
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/bill-would-allow-creation-of-spur-connecting-rte-114-turnpike/421578440

A news piece about the Turnpike spur up to Gorham again. This time, it's from WCSH-TV (NBC) channel 6 of Portland.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on April 07, 2017, 11:04:00 AM
Long overdue! The toll plaza at the southern end of I-295 in Scarborugh will be converted to an ORT plaza. Take note of the Exit 52 Falmouth Spur note on the left. Really? Many locals (and Concord Coach Lines bus drivers) know to duck the Scarborough toll by taking the Maine Mall exit immediately after and hoping onto I-295 North from there!  :nod:

http://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects-Planning/Construction-Projects/Exit-44-ORT.aspx
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on April 07, 2017, 01:00:15 PM
Since Maine operates a virtual ticket system for its E-ZPass holders (there are gantries over all entering lanes), I would think locals wouldn't save anything by going to exit 45, not unless they're paying cash.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on April 07, 2017, 02:39:54 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on April 07, 2017, 11:04:00 AM
Long overdue! The toll plaza at the southern end of I-295 in Scarborugh will be converted to an ORT plaza. Take note of the Exit 52 Falmouth Spur note on the left. Really? Many locals (and Concord Coach Lines bus drivers) know to duck the Scarborough toll by taking the Maine Mall exit immediately after and hoping onto I-295 North from there!  :nod:

http://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects-Planning/Construction-Projects/Exit-44-ORT.aspx

I avoid the Scarborough toll every time. It's not that hard to do.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Duke87 on April 09, 2017, 09:58:57 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2017, 01:00:15 PM
Since Maine operates a virtual ticket system for its E-ZPass holders (there are gantries over all entering lanes), I would think locals wouldn't save anything by going to exit 45, not unless they're paying cash.

In fact, if you have a Maine-issued E-Zpass, it's more expensive to take exit 45. This trick only benefits the E-Zpassless and drivers with out of state tags.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on April 09, 2017, 11:24:22 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on April 09, 2017, 09:58:57 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2017, 01:00:15 PM
Since Maine operates a virtual ticket system for its E-ZPass holders (there are gantries over all entering lanes), I would think locals wouldn't save anything by going to exit 45, not unless they're paying cash.

In fact, if you have a Maine-issued E-Zpass, it's more expensive to take exit 45. This trick only benefits the E-Zpassless and drivers with out of state tags.
Wait, what? Is there actually some sort of toll reader system at 45?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on April 10, 2017, 09:36:14 AM
Quote from: Alps on April 09, 2017, 11:24:22 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on April 09, 2017, 09:58:57 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2017, 01:00:15 PM
Since Maine operates a virtual ticket system for its E-ZPass holders (there are gantries over all entering lanes), I would think locals wouldn't save anything by going to exit 45, not unless they're paying cash.

In fact, if you have a Maine-issued E-Zpass, it's more expensive to take exit 45. This trick only benefits the E-Zpassless and drivers with out of state tags.
Wait, what? Is there actually some sort of toll reader system at 45?

Yes. All exits have a reader, but it only counts for Maine-issued tags. Maine tags work on a distance-based system. Everyone else has barrier tolls.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Duke87 on April 10, 2017, 08:18:27 PM
Quote from: Alps on April 09, 2017, 11:24:22 PM
Wait, what? Is there actually some sort of toll reader system at 45?

Yes: https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6299852,-70.3385287,3a,51.6y,106.99h,80.5t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgtc038ncGaMG_Lft31snRw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

This also shows in the toll schedule: E-Zpass rate is 5 cents more from 7 to 45 than from 7 to 44.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on April 29, 2017, 02:50:05 AM
God damn it. This is what I get for using E-Z pass that one time.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on April 29, 2017, 11:00:12 AM
What if you used E-ZPass and then stuck the transponder in your shiny metal case upon exiting at 45? There would be no violation because you're not tolled without it, but then the system would have last recorded you... somewhere.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on April 29, 2017, 03:55:29 PM
In which case the system would probably charge you the highest possible toll based on where you could have exited.  Here, either Augusta or York depending on where one got on...
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on April 30, 2017, 12:12:24 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 29, 2017, 03:55:29 PM
In which case the system would probably charge you the highest possible toll based on where you could have exited.  Here, either Augusta or York depending on where one got on...

That's what I figure. It's an oddity to have a free interchange on a toll road. Can't think of another instance where this is even a possibility.


(Yes, I'm aware other toll roads have free interchanges. But those are generally oriented so that you've just paid a toll, are about to pay a toll, or are on a known and acknowledged free segment.)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Beeper1 on April 30, 2017, 12:58:44 PM
The toll structure on the Maine Turnpike is really odd in general. 

In the north, you have a totally free section between Auburn and Sabattis.

The main length from York to Auburn seems to be a sort of pay-as-you-enter road, but with exit tolls at some interchanges, and still barrier tolls for traffic exiting at either end.   It seems really inefficient.   The fact that in state transponders are tolled as if it were still a ticket system is even stranger, as if they still want to incentivize locals to use cash.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on May 17, 2017, 09:23:49 AM
Per the project website (http://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/bathviaduct/), the replacement Bath Viaduct on US 1 is now open to traffic.  The viaduct reopened the week of the 1st (2 weeks ago).  Repaving of the frontage roads (which handled US 1 traffic during construction) is now occurring.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 18, 2017, 03:40:20 AM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on March 10, 2017, 09:09:21 PM
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/bill-would-allow-creation-of-spur-connecting-rte-114-turnpike/421578440

A news piece about the Turnpike spur up to Gorham again. This time, it's from WCSH-TV (NBC) channel 6 of Portland.

Maine's governor vetoed the bill for the spur on Tuesday, but the state house has since overwhelmingly voted to override the veto. It goes to the state senate tomorrow for their vote to override which would get the proposal moving again.

http://news.keepmecurrent.com/senate-to-decide-fate-of-gorham-spur-proposal/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on May 19, 2017, 07:37:35 AM
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/05/18/lepage-bill-to-shut-down-maine-turnpike-authority-goes-to-committee/

I doubt this will happen. What's the point of getting rid of all the other tolls if the one in York would remain?

@ THEHIGHWAYMAN394: It looks like the Gorham Spur will be happening.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on May 19, 2017, 05:07:19 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on May 19, 2017, 07:37:35 AM
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/05/18/lepage-bill-to-shut-down-maine-turnpike-authority-goes-to-committee/

I doubt this will happen. What's the point of getting rid of all the other tolls if the one in York would remain?

@ THEHIGHWAYMAN394: It looks like the Gorham Spur will be happening.
When the whole road is tolled, long distance travelers will bite the bullet and pay. When there's one toll, prepare for shunpikers. Route 1 and all the parallel back roads will suffer.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Duke87 on May 19, 2017, 06:10:32 PM
Quote from: Alps on May 19, 2017, 05:07:19 PM
When the whole road is tolled, long distance travelers will bite the bullet and pay. When there's one toll, prepare for shunpikers. Route 1 and all the parallel back roads will suffer.

Probably not so much in this case. It's 12 miles between exits on that stretch, and the most logical shunpike route is a two lane road passing through multiple towns. The detour would add enough time to not be worth it even without any extra congestion.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Beeper1 on May 19, 2017, 07:38:33 PM
So he wants Maine to be like Delaware.  Great.

...and I'm sure he would be willing to increase funding to Maine DOT to take care of the 100 miles of the turnpike.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on May 22, 2017, 08:43:22 AM
He won't.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on May 28, 2017, 12:07:40 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on May 19, 2017, 07:37:35 AM
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/05/18/lepage-bill-to-shut-down-maine-turnpike-authority-goes-to-committee/

I doubt this will happen. What's the point of getting rid of all the other tolls if the one in York would remain?
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/05/25/committee-rejects-lepage-proposal-to-merge-maine-turnpike-authority-with-dot/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Beeper1 on May 29, 2017, 09:37:34 PM
Maine has made a minor route number change.  The northern section of ME-175, from ME-166 to US-1, has been re-numbered as a northern extension of ME-166.   This is probably to have one continuous number from Route 1 to Castine.    The road is now fully signed as 166, with small "Formerly 175" signs posted occasionally.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on May 29, 2017, 10:39:06 PM
Quote from: Beeper1 on May 29, 2017, 09:37:34 PM
Maine has made a minor route number change.  The northern section of ME-175, from ME-166 to US-1, has been re-numbered as a northern extension of ME-166.   This is probably to have one continuous number from Route 1 to Castine.    The road is now fully signed as 166, with small "Formerly 175" signs posted occasionally.
That does make sense. 166 still ends at itself though. Something could probably be done with 199 to end that.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on May 30, 2017, 03:44:00 PM
Quote from: Beeper1 on May 29, 2017, 09:37:34 PM
Maine has made a minor route number change.  The northern section of ME-175, from ME-166 to US-1, has been re-numbered as a northern extension of ME-166.   This is probably to have one continuous number from Route 1 to Castine.    The road is now fully signed as 166, with small "Formerly 175" signs posted occasionally.

This change is at least over a year old as I noticed this when I went down that way in April of 2016. Here's a photo of the shields on US 1...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FXYDU6Cml.jpg&hash=ea851237bcfaa5d30e4dfdb4be2428e39421ca68)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Mr. Matté on May 30, 2017, 05:51:51 PM
Quote from: Ian on May 30, 2017, 03:44:00 PM
Quote from: Beeper1 on May 29, 2017, 09:37:34 PM
Maine has made a minor route number change.  The northern section of ME-175, from ME-166 to US-1, has been re-numbered as a northern extension of ME-166.   This is probably to have one continuous number from Route 1 to Castine.    The road is now fully signed as 166, with small "Formerly 175" signs posted occasionally.

This change is at least over a year old as I noticed this when I went down that way in April of 2016. Here's a photo of the shields on US 1...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FXYDU6Cml.jpg&hash=ea851237bcfaa5d30e4dfdb4be2428e39421ca68)

Purely for selfish reasoning, do you happen to have any Maine DOT or news sources stating this change? I'm going through Wikipedia's Maine State Routes list now and SR 175 is two uncreated articles away from me right now. I'd like to have concrete sourcing behind this change to make it more than a boring old "the road passes through rural areas" x20 article.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on May 31, 2017, 04:57:16 PM
Quote from: Mr. Matté on May 30, 2017, 05:51:51 PM
Purely for selfish reasoning, do you happen to have any Maine DOT or news sources stating this change? I'm going through Wikipedia's Maine State Routes list now and SR 175 is two uncreated articles away from me right now. I'd like to have concrete sourcing behind this change to make it more than a boring old "the road passes through rural areas" x20 article.

I found nothing on the MaineDOT website about the change, but I did find this local news article (http://castinepatriot.com/news/2014/aug/7/number-switch-for-routes-166166a-seen-around-the-b/#.WS8sHGjyvIV) regarding a proposal to swap ME 166 and 166A. Further down, the article states that one of the proposals included extending 166 up to US 1 and truncating ME 175, which is what ended up happening.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on June 01, 2017, 10:45:09 AM
Quote from: Alps on May 29, 2017, 10:39:06 PM
That does make sense. 166 still ends at itself though. Something could probably be done with 199 to end that.
Incorrect. You're probably confusing 166A (http://tm.teresco.org/hb/index.php?units=miles&u=&r=me.me166acas) as part of 166 (http://tm.teresco.org/hb/index.php?units=miles&u=&r=me.me166).

Quote from: Mr. Matté on May 30, 2017, 05:51:51 PM
Purely for selfish reasoning, do you happen to have any Maine DOT or news sources stating this change? I'm going through Wikipedia's Maine State Routes list now and SR 175 is two uncreated articles away from me right now. I'd like to have concrete sourcing behind this change to make it more than a boring old "the road passes through rural areas" x20 article.
The change is shown in the MEDOTPUBRDS shapefile, available at http://www.maine.gov/megis/catalog/

Editing Wikipedia? www.floodgap.com/roadgap/me/ is a good historical resource, though it hasn't been updated in a few years.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on June 01, 2017, 12:32:05 PM
Quote from: Ian on May 31, 2017, 04:57:16 PM
I did find this local news article (http://castinepatriot.com/news/2014/aug/7/number-switch-for-routes-166166a-seen-around-the-b/#.WS8sHGjyvIV) regarding a proposal to swap ME 166 and 166A. Further down, the article states that one of the proposals included extending 166 up to US 1 and truncating ME 175, which is what ended up happening.
Quote"How many think the route numbering on the Blue Hill Peninsula makes sense or is totally screwed up?"  [Coughlan] asked a larger-than-usual selectmen's meeting audience.
Ooh ooh ooh, me me me me! I think they're totally screwed up!
QuoteHowever, Coughlan, who is attached to MDOT's Community Service Division, is most in favor of the second option, which not only switches route numbers 166 and 166A but would extend Route 166 all the way through Penobscot and Orland to Routes 1 and 3, doing away entirely with Route 175.
Not so! It only does away with it on the small portion that was redesignated 166. The majority of that abomination remains (http://tm.teresco.org/hb/index.php?units=miles&u=&r=me.me175), and is still, for the most part, totally screwed up.

<FICTIONAL> Know what would make sense here?
1.) Redesignate the westernmost bits as an extension of 177.
2.) Create a new Route 15A, a straight shot from Penobscot down to Sedgwick, bypassing  Blue Hill. This can take over the northern bits of 199, the next segment of 175, and 176 between Franks Flat Rd (Route 175) and Route 15.
3.) Starting at the other end of 175 now, the bits overlapping 172 can remain just 172.
4.) The coastal loop through Brooklin, between where 175 leaves and rejoins 172, can become 172A.
5.) The segment from the south end of 172 to Route 15 can become an extension of 172.
6.) The bits overlapping 15 can remain just 15.
This leaves us with just the short loop through Brooksville. A short route serving a single place, going in a single coherent direction, rather than a big W that got hit with a flyswattah.
7.) There's opportunity to make 176 more orderly here as well: End it at 172 east of downtown Blue Hill. (It could then be signed as north-south; right now this is west (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4029358,-68.6946588,3a,75y,207.06h,63.08t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1sQ69vl-nM_yNfI4KdP_MQNA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i41), and so is this (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4941918,-68.5074683,3a,75y,268.46h,65.62t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1sFHPEw-xqdZ_eX2S7WFOTMA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i41).) The bits overlapping 15 can remain just 15. The aforementioned Route 15A can take care of the next stretch, and Franks Flat Rd can remain just 175. The coastal loop around Brooksville, between the two intersections with what's left of 175, could become 175A.
8.) But you know what I like more? Make it 175 proper instead (with the north-south stretch of existing 175 on Bagaduce Rd becoming 175A instead), having 175 serve more of the coastal areas, and avoiding the awkward situation of 175A being longer than its parent route. Either way, 175 will have to make a 90° turn here (http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=44.395332&lon=-68.710862&zoom=15), but at least it can stay on the thru road here (http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=44.346943&lon=-68.684072&zoom=15). Heh -- this would leave the only original bits of 175 as Coastal Rd, and Bridge/Franks Flat Rd. (Am I evil? Naah...) Yes, I like that -- there would be a 1:1 correspondence between 175A and Bagaduce Rd, and all of Coastal Rd would have a single route number.

Yes, my proposal does create three new letter-suffixed routes. But overall it goes a long way toward making things more sensible and orderly, IMO.</FICTIONAL>

Edit: O Hay! I *did* already post this in fictional... (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3288.msg79409#msg79409)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on June 15, 2017, 06:56:23 AM
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/06/15/relieving-turnpike-congestion-between-scarborough-and-falmouth-could-involve-widening/

Yet more ambitious plans from the Maine Turnpike people, as to why more future Turnpike widening is needed, this time from Exit 44 in Scarborough (I-295 North) towards Falmouth. The Turnpike already gets close to Maine Mall Road now in South Portland. Gonna be interesting!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: pugnamedmax on June 26, 2017, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Beeper1 on May 29, 2017, 09:37:34 PM
Maine has made a minor route number change.  The northern section of ME-175, from ME-166 to US-1, has been re-numbered as a northern extension of ME-166.

I noticed this change as early as the end of August 2015 when I drove back to school again in Castine. I mentioned that the new signs messed me up a little to a group of locals. They told me that route 166 was extended "to help tourists find us without getting as lost."

What's interesting is that it took Google Maps over a year to pick up on the change, and they still implemented it wrong. They incorrectly have route 166 and route 175 multiplexed from route 1 to Penobscot (the formerly 175, now 166 section). Google also got rid of 166A completely and now calls the entire loop 166, which also is untrue in the field. 166 and 166 A just switched sides of the peninsula to have the shorter route to Castine be new 166. This might be why an earlier poster thought 166 ends at itself? I don't know if there is a way to send Google a requested change, but at the same time the locals would probably prefer I didn't...
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Marf on December 23, 2017, 04:32:14 PM
Does anyone have any info on SR 718? It was mentioned in a MDOT notice today and a google search turned up nothing. Apparently it has an alignment along State Street in Bath.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on December 23, 2017, 08:49:59 PM
Quote from: Marf on December 23, 2017, 04:32:14 PM
Does anyone have any info on SR 718? It was mentioned in a MDOT notice today and a google search turned up nothing. Apparently it has an alignment along State Street in Bath.

Link to the notice? I couldn't find anything that fit the rough criteria you laid out here. Looking to see if I can find anything on that.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Marf on December 23, 2017, 08:54:15 PM
The link is https://imgur.com/a/6Z6eu (https://imgur.com/a/6Z6eu)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on December 24, 2017, 02:38:03 PM
My takeaway: the operative word is "establishing a portion of State Highway '718' (State Road)"; IE, it doesn't exist now, but will soon?

Route 701 & 703 exist in Greater Portland; they're the Scarborough Connector (http://tm.teresco.org/hb/index.php?r=me.scacon) and Maine Turnpike Approach Road (http://tm.teresco.org/hb/index.php?r=me.mtapprd) respectively. There's no regular route number signage, just mile markers.
The MEDOTPUBRDS shapefiles (http://www.maine.gov/megis/catalog/) do acknowledge these numbers in the RTE_NO attribute, however State Road in Bath gets a regular Inventory Route number: 2310189.

I have to wonder if Maine is quietly developing a 7xx series of "secret"/unsigned state highways, similar to CT's secret routes...
Which doesn't make complete sense, as we already have plenty of unsigned state hwys on the inventory road system. *shrug*
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on December 25, 2017, 12:48:47 AM
Quote from: yakra on December 24, 2017, 02:38:03 PM
My takeaway: the operative word is "establishing a portion of State Highway '718' (State Road)"; IE, it doesn't exist now, but will soon?

Route 701 & 703 exist in Greater Portland; they're the Scarborough Connector (http://tm.teresco.org/hb/index.php?r=me.scacon) and Maine Turnpike Approach Road (http://tm.teresco.org/hb/index.php?r=me.mtapprd) respectively. There's no regular route number signage, just mile markers.
The MEDOTPUBRDS shapefiles (http://www.maine.gov/megis/catalog/) do acknowledge these numbers in the RTE_NO attribute, however State Road in Bath gets a regular Inventory Route number: 2310189.

I have to wonder if Maine is quietly developing a 7xx series of "secret"/unsigned state highways, similar to CT's secret routes...
Which doesn't make complete sense, as we already have plenty of unsigned state hwys on the inventory road system. *shrug*
I think it's establishing the roundabout as a part of State Road. I don't see why they would suddenly be adding a former alignment of US 1 to the system. My guess is it's already in the system. There may be other such routes that no one knows about (spooky music).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on December 26, 2017, 03:50:00 AM
Quote from: Alps on December 25, 2017, 12:48:47 AM
I think it's establishing the roundabout as a part of State Road.
That sounds fishy to me. It's there; it's been there (since at least August 2012). It's part of State Road.

Quote from: Alps on December 25, 2017, 12:48:47 AM
I don't see why they would suddenly be adding a former alignment of US 1 to the system. My guess is it's already in the system.
Aah, but what do you mean by "the system", though?
State (or State-Aid) (http://www.floodgap.com/roadgap/me/faq.html) highways? State Road has been State Highway since the oldest version of the MEDOTPUBRDS shapefiles I have archived (2005), and probably (conjecture on my part) has been since the US1 freeway was completed in 1968.
Or do you mean, the 7xx "system" I was speculating about above? If that's what you mean, yeah, I don't see why either. But nonetheless, it appears to be happening...

As far as the inventory route numbers are concerned:
State Road itself is route 2310189, as noted above. This route number is in place in the 2011 shapefiles, which predate the roundabout. (Upon entering the town of West Bath, the inventory route number changes to 2301062.)
Once the roundabout appears in the shapefiles in 2012, route 2310189 follows the southbound/westbound alignment of State Rd / old US1. The eastbound/northbound alignment is inventory route 3209529. The roundabout between the western exit/entrance is inv rte 3209531. The roundabout between the eastern exit/entrance is inv rte 3209532.

It could be that "2310189" will become "0718X", and "3209529" will become "0718N" or "0718E".
Internally, the 'X' suffix is used to denote the primary direction of an inventoried route. The other direction of a split alignment route will usually have an 'S' or 'W' suffix. But not always -- Route 703, for example, is 703X and 703E. 703's mileposts increase east-to-west. 701's mileposts increase north-to-south, but it's inventoried as 701X & 701S nonetheless. Sure, guys, whatever...
(If you wanna see some wacky hijinks, check out route 195..)

I suppose it's possible that the designations could flip-flop within the roundabout upon 718's designation, with there still being the usual 'S' or 'W' suffix. I won't make a prediction here, and will await what I can find in future revisions of the MEDOTPUBRDS shapefiles.

Fictional:
I'd like to see a US1Alt or at least US1Trk, although the latter would be of less use east of Cook's (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9105932,-69.914448,3a,19.4y,246.11h,87.36t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s6sKA47c6tXlcTH5B7H0Mtg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i41) Corner (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9098852,-69.9167795,3a,30.7y,62.47h,89.06t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1sgS-Z6Nw8v3aRp0jTFNBNyg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i41), where the trumpet overpass has been bashed by enough overheight trucks for them to just leave the temporary crossover in place till next time.
A US1 child route would seem more obvious to follow than ME24Bus.

Quote from: Alps on December 25, 2017, 12:48:47 AM
There may be other such routes that no one knows about (spooky music).
MDOT insiders know about them, but you're obviously referring to no one among us lowly roadgeeks. :)
The fact that there's a 701 & a 703 has bothered me for a while: where in tarnation is 702? The only good guess I had was the Exit 28 <-> US1 connector in Brunswick, but nope -- 0512070.
Aw what the hey. It's 3AM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXEOESuiYcA). Lemme see if I can mine the shapefiles' DBF file for unique values of RTE_NO & see if I can find anything enlightening...
...annnd, the only 3-digit values beginning with '7' are 701 & 703.

It's possible that more 7xx RTE_NO attributes may filter into the shapefiles in the future. For a long time, 701 & 703 were listed with ordinary inventory route numbers. And "703" has been a thing for at least a decade before it showed up on mile markers; I recall seeing it mentioned in PACTS (http://www.pactsplan.org/) planning studies when the roadgeek bug first bit me in 2004ish.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on December 26, 2017, 04:57:11 AM
http://news.keepmecurrent.com/gorham-turnpike-connector-faces-lengthy-study/
http://www.theforecaster.net/south-portland-gorham-spur-depends-on-turnpike-widening-in-portland/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Dougtone on February 03, 2018, 10:22:11 AM
Recently, I blogged about the old bridge in New Sharon, Maine, which was on an old alignment of US 2 over the Sandy River. The bridge was demolished in 2014, but my photos from the blog were from 2004.

(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVF0wUzDP1c/WnXB5n3FOQI/AAAAAAAAYuc/c_zqjghVdlA-1NXR-9vucoH1hDOF0cKUgCEwYBhgL/s1600/nsb1.jpg)

http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2018/02/old-us-2-bridge-new-sharon-maine.html (http://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2018/02/old-us-2-bridge-new-sharon-maine.html)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on February 09, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
This was posted on the Facebook page of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge Replacement Project...one of the other bridges between Kittery, ME and Portsmouth, NH:

The Maine and New Hampshire Departments of Transportation are aware of the rumors circulating about why the new Sarah Mildred Long Bridge hasn't opened and speculation that there is something wrong regarding safety or mechanical issues. The fact is the bridge is operational and safe.
The bridge was formally "commissioned"  in late January. This means the bridge was successfully lifted and operated under a variety of simulated scenarios which would allow the Maine and New Hampshire Departments of Transportation to assume "ownership"  and operational responsibilities. Training of the New Hampshire DOT employees responsible for operating the bridge has been successfully completed. They are currently waiting to take over those operational duties.
Most of the outstanding work items are routine, and much of the remaining work is either aesthetic or weather-dependent including weatherproofing, paint touch up, and pointing and patching of concrete. Maine and New Hampshire are now evaluating all options for opening the bridge sooner than what is indicated on Cianbro's most recent schedule.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: DRMan on February 09, 2018, 11:10:32 AM
Yes, and Seacoast Online (out of Portsmouth) published this article today that reports the same thing: http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20180209/new-sarah-long-bridge-delayed-but-safe-officials-say

So, if the bridge is safe and operating properly, and the operators have been trained and are ready, what's really holding things up? Seacoast Online has filed a Freedom of Information request with Maine DOT to try to get some answers. Meanwhile, US 1 Bypass businesses are feeling the pain, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard can't have the spent fuel from the nuclear submarines that are serviced there hauled away.

QuotePortsmouth Naval Shipyard relies on the train line to remove spent fuel from overhauled submarines from the base. Public Affairs Officer Gary Hildreth said even though all spent fuel is removed by rail, the delay in the bridge opening has not negatively impacted the shipyard's operations.

QuoteDave Lorandreau, manager of Jackson's Hardware and Marina on the Route 1 Bypass in Kittery, said the lack of communication on the specific issues delaying the project has been a major cause of frustration. With the latest delay, he said his business will suffer further losses because March, April and May are the busiest months for the hardware store with people coming in to get a jump on their summer projects at home. He said the bypass has become a de-facto one way road and it limits how many passerby customers come into the store.

"The communication has been pretty horrible,"  said Lorandreau. "It'd be nice if they came out and said what the specific causes of all the delays are. It's probably more frustrating for the guys building it, but we have 15 to 20 customers a day coming in and asking us what's wrong with the bridge and it's not like we have the answers. Everyone is just speculating right now."
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on February 12, 2018, 02:21:23 AM
https://www.pressherald.com/2018/02/11/crashes-fall-on-i-295-after-speed-limit-decrease/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on February 12, 2018, 04:10:48 PM
Quote from: yakra on February 12, 2018, 02:21:23 AM
https://www.pressherald.com/2018/02/11/crashes-fall-on-i-295-after-speed-limit-decrease/

No surprise. That may be the only interstate I've been on with a too-high speed limit.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on February 12, 2018, 05:06:40 PM
Too early to tell if the speed limit was behind the increase. The 2017 number isn't significantly different from 2014 or 2015. 2016 was a hot summer, so you may have had more tourists going north to escape the heat.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 18, 2018, 12:11:51 AM
I think I'd like to go to Houlton, just for this sign;

https://www.facebook.com/aaroads/photos/a.10150170219977948.315352.181045197947/10156226520222948/?type=3&theater

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on February 19, 2018, 02:45:00 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 18, 2018, 12:11:51 AM
I think I'd like to go to Houlton, just for this sign;

https://www.facebook.com/aaroads/photos/a.10150170219977948.315352.181045197947/10156226520222948/?type=3&theater



You'd be wasting your time. I was up there just a few weeks ago; it's unfortunately been replaced.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on February 19, 2018, 06:19:59 PM
Were you able to get a picture of the replacement sign? :)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on February 21, 2018, 07:48:46 AM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on February 19, 2018, 06:19:59 PM
Were you able to get a picture of the replacement sign? :)

Heh, I didn't even think to do so. I was already bummed out enough that the LeHay was gone. :(

Next time I'm up in The County, I'll snap a pic!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on February 21, 2018, 08:50:08 AM
MaineDOT has been replacing LeHay fast in recent years. I'm quite sad about that.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on February 22, 2018, 11:34:59 AM
Quote from: cl94 on February 21, 2018, 08:50:08 AM
MaineDOT has been replacing LeHay fast in recent years. I'm quite sad about that.

Yep, Maine used to be a treasure trove for finding old signs. Now, over 90% have been replaced in the last five years or so. There are a few locally maintained roads that have some hanging on, but those are very few and far between.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: cl94 on February 22, 2018, 11:42:50 AM
Quote from: Ian on February 22, 2018, 11:34:59 AM
Quote from: cl94 on February 21, 2018, 08:50:08 AM
MaineDOT has been replacing LeHay fast in recent years. I'm quite sad about that.

Yep, Maine used to be a treasure trove for finding old signs. Now, over 90% have been replaced in the last five years or so. There are a few locally maintained roads that have some hanging on, but those are very few and far between.

You can say the same about Vermont. VTrans has replaced almost everything in about the same time frame. Old stuff only exists where there is town maintenance. At least Massachusetts still has their old signs.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: PHLBOS on February 22, 2018, 11:54:06 AM
Quote from: cl94 on February 22, 2018, 11:42:50 AMAt least Massachusetts still has their old signs.
Even the majority of those have long since been replaced or eliminated.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on July 06, 2018, 09:08:27 PM
Well, the York Toll Plaza on the Maine Turnpike got approved for open road tolling lanes... definitely needed!!

Articles:
https://www.centralmaine.com/2018/07/06/judge-rejects-appeal-of-permit-for-york-toll-plaza/
http://www.wmtw.com/article/judge-allows-new-york-toll-plaza-to-move-forward/22074638
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on July 06, 2018, 11:25:04 PM
I wonder if it would be similar to what you have on I-95 in Hampton, NH now? High speed EZ Pass in the middle for their setup.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on July 07, 2018, 09:40:36 AM
I believe I read in the planning somewhere that they were looking at 3 high speed lanes in each direction.  Hampton has two (as does Hooksett) in NH, while the other high speed plazas on the Maine Turnpike only have one (but don't have a fraction of the traffic that York has). 

BTW, did the high speed lane on the Falmouth Spur plaza ever open? 
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on July 07, 2018, 09:43:07 AM
Quote from: shadyjayBTW, did the high speed lane on the Falmouth Spur plaza ever open?

Yes it did.  We went through it last weekend.  Single lane in each direction.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: deathtopumpkins on July 08, 2018, 08:56:54 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on July 07, 2018, 09:40:36 AM
I believe I read in the planning somewhere that they were looking at 3 high speed lanes in each direction.  Hampton has two (as does Hooksett) in NH, while the other high speed plazas on the Maine Turnpike only have one (but don't have a fraction of the traffic that York has).

That's good that they're going for 3 lanes!
The 2 lanes at Hampton and Hooksett have a significant impact on summer weekend traffic. Enough that NHDOT has recently converted the leftmost 1-2 lanes of the cash plazas at both locations to 25 mph E-ZPass lanes and put up portable message boards reminding E-ZPass customers they can use the cash lanes.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on July 08, 2018, 11:59:03 AM
Even on summer weekends, I haven't seen a big issue with the Hooksett lanes.  The bottleneck there isn't Hooksett...it's Concord.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on July 08, 2018, 12:47:56 PM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on July 06, 2018, 09:08:27 PM
Well, the York Toll Plaza on the Maine Turnpike got approved for open road tolling lanes... definitely needed!!

Articles:
https://www.centralmaine.com/2018/07/06/judge-rejects-appeal-of-permit-for-york-toll-plaza/
http://www.wmtw.com/article/judge-allows-new-york-toll-plaza-to-move-forward/22074638

The excuse of tolls needing to double to go AET is such complete horse crap (quote in first link).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on September 01, 2018, 11:22:46 AM
https://www.pressherald.com/2018/08/30/busy-woodfords-corner-in-portland-will-be-closed-next-weekend/

US Route... 305, eh?  :clap: :pan:
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on September 05, 2018, 04:37:46 PM
And the Maine Turnpike releases the bid documents for the York toll plaza replacement:

http://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects-Planning/Construction-Contracts/YORK-TOLL-PLAZA-MILE-8-8.aspx

I haven't gone through all the plans, but found the signs at the end of Plan Set 1 of 3.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: roadman on September 05, 2018, 06:17:19 PM
Been looking at the plans.  Never seen the use of an option lane at a toll plaza split for ORT and cash lanes before, and I'm not sure I like it.  Seems to me they would be better off making the configuration 2 ORT lanes and 2 cash lanes, with Good idea to have E-ZPass accepted in the cash lanes for people who can't get over to the ORT lanes.  However, the signs indicating this should be either further back than the ORT/cash lanes split, or duplicated further back.

Also not thrilled with the idea of the diagrammatic signs being located after the first set of lane assignment signs for the ORT and cash lanes.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on September 05, 2018, 09:18:53 PM
I-87 SB at the ORT split for Woodbury has an option lane.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on September 08, 2018, 01:26:33 AM
https://www.pressherald.com/2018/09/06/maine-turnpike-authority-approves-i-95-widening/
Construction expected to start next year on a six-lane expansion between mileposts 44 & 49.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on September 08, 2018, 02:33:48 PM
QuoteI-87 SB at the ORT split for Woodbury has an option lane.

As do both directions of I-93 at the Hooksett toll.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on March 06, 2019, 08:15:57 PM
At Mile Marker 9 northbound of I-95/Maine Turnpike in York. March 6, 2019. Preliminary work on the future toll plaza site continues.
(https://i.imgur.com/DsOS6bW.jpg)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 07, 2019, 11:59:39 AM
Hey, guys. Guys. It's still on a hill.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on March 07, 2019, 08:40:10 PM
Unless they re-grade it? There was a "dip" they took out somewhere in Scarborough with the widening a few years ago. At least it's not going to be on a curve. It looks like it'll be between MM 9 to 9.5 or so.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 27, 2019, 04:55:57 AM
https://newmainenews.com/2019/02/26/mainers-begin-filling-potholes-with-plastic-bags-in-hopes-the-state-will-start-noticing-them/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on March 27, 2019, 11:21:37 AM
Trading one type of polymer for another...
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Ghostbuster on March 27, 2019, 02:17:24 PM
Here is something that puzzles me. When Maine rerouted Interstate 95 and converted its sequential exit numbers to mileage-based, they left the exit numbers along the original segment of Interstate 295, and Interstate 395's exit numbers the same. Are the numbers close enough to being mileage-based to warrant why they were not renumbered?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: hotdogPi on March 27, 2019, 02:41:42 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 27, 2019, 02:17:24 PM
Here is something that puzzles me. When Maine rerouted Interstate 95 and converted its sequential exit numbers to mileage-based, they left the exit numbers along the original segment of Interstate 295, and Interstate 395's exit numbers the same. Are the numbers close enough to being mileage-based to warrant why they were not renumbered?

Looking at Wikipedia, on I-295, 11 is in the correct location, and 1-11 makes more sense than suffixed in the lower half and skipping numbers in the upper half. On I-395, they are closer than 1 mile apart, and separate numbers avoid alphabet soup.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ben114 on March 27, 2019, 04:21:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 27, 2019, 02:41:42 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 27, 2019, 02:17:24 PM
Here is something that puzzles me. When Maine rerouted Interstate 95 and converted its sequential exit numbers to mileage-based, they left the exit numbers along the original segment of Interstate 295, and Interstate 395's exit numbers the same. Are the numbers close enough to being mileage-based to warrant why they were not renumbered?

Looking at Wikipedia, on I-295, 11 is in the correct location, and 1-11 makes more sense than suffixed in the lower half and skipping numbers in the upper half. On I-395, they are closer than 1 mile apart, and separate numbers avoid alphabet soup.
Or maybe they did I-95 as some form of trial and never continued with the other highways.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: hotdogPi on March 27, 2019, 04:23:17 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on March 27, 2019, 04:21:17 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 27, 2019, 02:41:42 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 27, 2019, 02:17:24 PM
Here is something that puzzles me. When Maine rerouted Interstate 95 and converted its sequential exit numbers to mileage-based, they left the exit numbers along the original segment of Interstate 295, and Interstate 395's exit numbers the same. Are the numbers close enough to being mileage-based to warrant why they were not renumbered?

Looking at Wikipedia, on I-295, 11 is in the correct location, and 1-11 makes more sense than suffixed in the lower half and skipping numbers in the upper half. On I-395, they are closer than 1 mile apart, and separate numbers avoid alphabet soup.
Or maybe they did I-95 as some form of trial and never continued with the other highways.

The northern half of I-295 changed.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on March 27, 2019, 08:08:28 PM
One could say that none of I-295's exit numbers changed at all, since the part of it with mile-based numbers was I-95 before Maine switched.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ian on April 04, 2019, 04:41:46 PM
The article is a couple days old, but it looks like Maine is getting their own "emergency routes" for when traffic needs to be diverted off the interstate in the event of a closure or accident.

https://www.wabi.tv/content/news/Emergency-Route-signs-installed-to-guide-traffic-around-accidents-on-I95-507958381.html

According to the article, signs recently started appearing around Region 4 (central Maine, from Pittsfield to Lincoln). Emergency routes are signed with letters, with single letter routes for northbound detours (A through T) and double letter routes for southbound detours (AA through TT). MaineDOT hopes to implement the system statewide within the next year.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on April 17, 2019, 12:40:12 PM
https://www.newscentermaine.com/mobile/article/travel/new-digital-signs-along-i-95-and-i-295-aim-to-reduce-traffic-ahead-of-summer-travel/97-67f4a915-fd23-42bf-bb12-40ed3f2bf093?fbclid=IwAR0QCssjX5pvlcMndRe5DzVlhQankNoCwzFGLyURH5cIHTAcMgX0vqtEHns

Little brother Maine wants to be like big brother Massachusetts. You see these travel time signs all over the Bay State interstates now. I hope they show the delay on the Piscatsqua River Bridge (I-95) correctly.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on April 18, 2019, 11:56:57 PM
What would really be useful is an estimate of the delay at -- *cough* -- Red's Eats...

https://newmainenews.com/2017/10/23/reds-eats-adds-new-location-in-north-bound-lane-of-i-295/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on April 19, 2019, 02:14:32 PM
^ Realistically-speaking, I think it'd be better to wait until after the downtown Wiscasset redo, which should wrap up this fall.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: roadman65 on April 23, 2019, 10:02:54 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Bridge_(Portsmouth,_New_Hampshire)#/media/File:Memorial_Bridge_(Portsmouth,_New_Hampshire)_April_2016.JPG
This bridge is hard to believe that it is not that old.  It looks like its circa 1940 ish, but this bridge that carries US 1 into Maine from Portsmouth, NH was opened in 2013.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on April 23, 2019, 10:35:38 PM
The US Route 1 Bypass bridge nearby was also replaced recently. Work starts soon to fix issues with the Piscataqua River Bridge on I-95.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: roadman65 on April 23, 2019, 11:00:34 PM
I see the new US 1 Bypass bridge has only one deck lift span as when a train crosses the span lowers to let the train cross. So basically cars and trains cannot use the lift span simultaneously and traffic on US 1 Bypass has to stop not only for boats but for rail traffic beneath it as well.

The new US 1 Bypass bridge is more modern in design and lacks a counterweight to help raise it up. GSV has not yet been able to capture the bridge itself from the road view.  So I am guessing that the train tracks are like the trolley tracks are in urban cities that still use that type of rail.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Mildred_Long_Bridge#/media/File:Sarah_Mildred_Long_Bridge_(2018)_1.jpg
You can see that the bridge is lowered to meet the rail deck below it, so in essence its raised for boats and lowered for rail traffic.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ben114 on May 13, 2019, 07:55:18 PM
Looks like Maine is installing distance signs like Massachusetts:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmalmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fmainegotimevlam557a.jpg&hash=af2c74a3b283a9c1648d723eaf7a652592ea711e)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmalmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fmainegotimevlam557b.jpg&hash=8c422c24edcd6011c95a929a98f01d2414146142)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmalmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fmainegotimevlam557c.jpg&hash=18ba4ceb63f033cf7d7e5c5ed5fc51b5dc2842ba)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmalmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fmainegotimevlam557d.jpg&hash=717508607f9ea395317853209b5d5c4c6e41bc40)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmalmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fmainegotimevlam557e.jpg&hash=6d794b7dfd6a2dac8a20a660e294da10a80c5c53)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmalmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fmainegotimevlam557f.jpg&hash=fb8f90e72158fc0d5fd0ce8f48164c05ef61b9bb)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmalmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fmainegotimevlam557g.jpg&hash=70beab25d16f5fecffaccc88ca40abff29b1fa28)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmalmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fmainegotimevlam557h.jpg&hash=05ac764da586eae66fa2dec8938bd417b10174e1)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: DRMan on May 14, 2019, 11:12:18 AM
Any idea what will be displayed on the signs with larger displays (such as the Saco sign in the last photo)?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: DRMan on May 14, 2019, 11:21:19 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on April 23, 2019, 11:00:34 PM
I see the new US 1 Bypass bridge has only one deck lift span as when a train crosses the span lowers to let the train cross. So basically cars and trains cannot use the lift span simultaneously and traffic on US 1 Bypass has to stop not only for boats but for rail traffic beneath it as well.

The new US 1 Bypass bridge is more modern in design and lacks a counterweight to help raise it up. GSV has not yet been able to capture the bridge itself from the road view.  So I am guessing that the train tracks are like the trolley tracks are in urban cities that still use that type of rail.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Mildred_Long_Bridge#/media/File:Sarah_Mildred_Long_Bridge_(2018)_1.jpg
You can see that the bridge is lowered to meet the rail deck below it, so in essence its raised for boats and lowered for rail traffic.


Here's a video that shows how rail traffic gets across the bridge. I've driven over several times, but I never noticed that the rails are embedded in the road surface. The bridge handles only a handful of trains per year, so doing it this way isn't terribly disruptive to road users.

https://youtu.be/quzC_9N6IDE
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on May 14, 2019, 02:37:40 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on May 13, 2019, 07:55:18 PM
Looks like Maine is installing distance signs like Massachusetts:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmalmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fmainegotimevlam557d.jpg&hash=717508607f9ea395317853209b5d5c4c6e41bc40)


Watch for hogs?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: roadman on May 14, 2019, 03:51:48 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on May 14, 2019, 02:37:40 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on May 13, 2019, 07:55:18 PM
Looks like Maine is installing distance signs like Massachusetts:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmalmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fmainegotimevlam557d.jpg&hash=717508607f9ea395317853209b5d5c4c6e41bc40)


Watch for hogs?

Could the message have something to do with this:  https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/HAB1904.pdf
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on May 14, 2019, 06:14:40 PM
Quote from: DRMan on May 14, 2019, 11:12:18 AM
Any idea what will be displayed on the signs with larger displays (such as the Saco sign in the last photo)?

Perhaps a "BEST ROUTE" notice during times of congestion on one route, with "-- MI -- MIN" displayed the rest of the time.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on May 14, 2019, 08:52:12 PM
https://www.facebook.com/MaineTurnpikeAuthority/posts/1949036901868310?__xts__

The Maine Turnpike posted these pictures from when they started their TransPass program back in 1997.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on August 05, 2019, 01:26:03 PM
The larger message that I've seen so far is "NO DELAYS".
.
Most times, 295 is the shorter path, but the Maine Turnpike collects more tolls if you stay on 95.  Frankly, it's worth the couple more dollars to stay on 95.  Traffic on 295 from the southern end to Exit 31 in Topsham is an annoying 31 miles of many bad drivers, bottlenecks, left lane hogs, etc.  95 has its share too, and the widening from exit 44 to 53 is going to be messy... but it's open road from Exit 53 up to 103 when 295 rejoins.  Posted 70, should be posted 75, traffic moves mostly about 80-85.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Jordanes on August 14, 2019, 12:51:22 AM
Does anyone know why I-95 in Maine follows the path it does north of Bangor? That is a very remote area. Was it built that way to connect the Aroostook communities with the rest of the state (and the country)? Is there any official paperwork floating out there on how this decision process was made?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on August 14, 2019, 01:01:43 AM
Quote from: Jordanes on August 14, 2019, 12:51:22 AM
Does anyone know why I-95 in Maine follows the path it does north of Bangor? That is a very remote area. Was it built that way to connect the Aroostook communities with the rest of the state (and the country)? Is there any official paperwork floating out there on how this decision process was made?
They chose to follow US 2 to Houlton instead of ME 9 to Calais. I think the 2 corridor is overall less remote than 9.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on August 14, 2019, 09:43:16 AM
Early Interstate system proposal maps going as far back as the "Toll Roads and Free Roads" report from 1939 show a route along the US 2 corridor to Houlton.  That said, the initial recommendation from the 1944 "Interregional Highways" report to Congress included a spur from Bangor to Calais via ALT 1 and US 1 (instead of ME 9).  However, this spur was gone by the time the initial system was approved in 1947.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Jordanes on August 14, 2019, 12:45:12 PM
Quote from: froggie on August 14, 2019, 09:43:16 AM
Early Interstate system proposal maps going as far back as the "Toll Roads and Free Roads" report from 1939 show a route along the US 2 corridor to Houlton.

Do you know where these maps are? I'd love to look at them.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on August 14, 2019, 02:25:07 PM
You'd have to do a deep web search for the report itself, though I believe http://roadfan.com/ still exists and has some of the maps posted.  What's not there may be on my Yellow Book page.
(http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/yellowbook/)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on August 14, 2019, 02:34:10 PM
Quote from: froggie on August 14, 2019, 09:43:16 AM
Early Interstate system proposal maps going as far back as the "Toll Roads and Free Roads" report from 1939 show a route along the US 2 corridor to Houlton.  That said, the initial recommendation from the 1944 "Interregional Highways" report to Congress included a spur from Bangor to Calais via ALT 1 and US 1 (instead of ME 9).  However, this spur was gone by the time the initial system was approved in 1947.

Some folks around Maine DOT think that the original system map that didn't include BANGOR written out, but showed two termini, the northern one at HOULTON and the southern one at CALAIS is the source of the loss.
.
When BANGOR was included on the next map, it seemed to have been written over the branch line to CALAIS thus making it appear eliminated.
.
It's an interesting theory.  To the original question though, the closest approach to the TCH is by crossing at Houlton and running the five or so miles east to Woodstock NB and thus, the northern route to Houlton achieved both connectivity with Canada's TCH predecessor route; and it provided linkages to Aroostook County.
.
Frankly, what I've seen at the Maine State Library of old Maine DOT books was some initial terrain analysis for an intermediate route tending to be north of a "midline" between the Airline, ME 9, and Coastal US 1.  Traffic counts on ME 9 aren't insignificant, and it has been improved almost completely from Brewer to Woodland where it meets US 1 west of Calais.  The "missing link" is some sort of route that will connect the eastern terminus of I-395 to ME 9 somewhere around its intersection with ME 46.  Maybe by the year 2047.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on August 14, 2019, 02:37:38 PM
Yes, Froggie does have the map that has BANGOR written right where the branch to CALAIS should have been:
http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/yellowbook/conus-1947.jpg

The CALAIS branch is definitely there in 1943!
http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/yellowbook/conus-1943.jpg
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on August 15, 2019, 12:30:31 AM
Quote from: sturmde on August 14, 2019, 02:37:38 PM
Yes, Froggie does have the map that has BANGOR written right where the branch to CALAIS should have been:
http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/yellowbook/conus-1947.jpg

The CALAIS branch is definitely there in 1943!
http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/yellowbook/conus-1943.jpg
It's incredible how much of the system was already determined by 1943. I never knew.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on August 15, 2019, 07:45:57 AM
Quote from: sturmde on August 14, 2019, 02:37:38 PM
Yes, Froggie does have the map that has BANGOR written right where the branch to CALAIS should have been:
http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/yellowbook/conus-1947.jpg

Someone inevitably was paid to make this map and someone was paid to approve it. Egads.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on August 15, 2019, 08:38:43 AM
^^ Steve, disregard my 1943 date.  That map comes from the 1944 Congressional report "Interregional Highways" which represents the initial Congressional and governmental approval for the Interstate system.  Further approvals and refinements occurred in 1947 and 1955.  The 1956 Federal Highway Act that Eisenhower championed was merely the funding mechanism that allowed construction to begin en masse, though it also did add 1,000 miles to what had been approved in 1955.  That additional mileage is what enabled I-12, I-29 between Sioux Falls and Fargo, I-70 west of Denver, and I-82 WA/OR.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on August 16, 2019, 01:22:35 AM
Quote from: froggie on August 15, 2019, 08:38:43 AM
^^ Steve, disregard my 1943 date.  That map comes from the 1944 Congressional report "Interregional Highways" which represents the initial Congressional and governmental approval for the Interstate system.  Further approvals and refinements occurred in 1947 and 1955.  The 1956 Federal Highway Act that Eisenhower championed was merely the funding mechanism that allowed construction to begin en masse, though it also did add 1,000 miles to what had been approved in 1955.  That additional mileage is what enabled I-12, I-29 between Sioux Falls and Fargo, I-70 west of Denver, and I-82 WA/OR.
You say disregard 1943, but most of the framework was even there in 1939.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on August 16, 2019, 08:58:56 AM
The initial framework was there in the 1939 report but that was largely FDR-driven and was in no small part determining whether a national system should be tolled or free (a question later taken up by the Clay Committee in 1955).  The concept wasn't seriously taken up by Congress until the 1944 report.

When I said "disregard 1943", I was referring to the date I had appended to that map.  The map actually came from the 1944 report.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on December 12, 2019, 02:07:57 PM
Question about 95 in Houlton–

Does anyone have a source of aerial photos or at least a detailed map of the border crossing at Houlton from before I-95 went to four lanes? I was there the other day, and I'm always surprised to see the old forlorn white wooden customs house still standing. I'm curious if I-95 traffic used this station, since NB-95 wasn't built until 1976 or so, when I-95 was expanded to four lanes.

Historicaerials.com doesn't have old enough coverage of this area to answer this question.

Title: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on December 12, 2019, 02:20:47 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on December 12, 2019, 02:07:57 PM
Question about 95 in Houlton–

Does anyone have a source of aerial photos or at least a detailed map of the border crossing at Houlton from before I-95 went to four lanes? I was there the other day, and I'm always surprised to see the old forlorn white wooden customs house still standing. I'm curious if I-95 traffic used this station, since NB-95 wasn't built until 1976 or so, when I-95 was expanded to four lanes.

Historicaerials.com doesn't have old enough coverage of this area to answer this question.

Never mind, answered my own question. Historicaerials.com has a miscategorized pre-1977 aerial photo that comes up when you click on the 1980 topo map link. Looks like 95 merged slightly south into US 2 (the northbound lane being where the current offramp to US 2 is) and made the crossing at that old custom house. It looks like from there, old NB-5 followed some now-disused pavement northeast to the NB-95 ROW, then curved south to current NB-555.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on December 13, 2019, 03:05:32 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on December 12, 2019, 02:20:47 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on December 12, 2019, 02:07:57 PM
Question about 95 in Houlton–

Does anyone have a source of aerial photos or at least a detailed map of the border crossing at Houlton from before I-95 went to four lanes? I was there the other day, and I'm always surprised to see the old forlorn white wooden customs house still standing. I'm curious if I-95 traffic used this station, since NB-95 wasn't built until 1976 or so, when I-95 was expanded to four lanes.

Historicaerials.com doesn't have old enough coverage of this area to answer this question.

Never mind, answered my own question. Historicaerials.com has a miscategorized pre-1977 aerial photo that comes up when you click on the 1980 topo map link. Looks like 95 merged slightly south into US 2 (the northbound lane being where the current offramp to US 2 is) and made the crossing at that old custom house. It looks like from there, old NB-5 followed some now-disused pavement northeast to the NB-95 ROW, then curved south to current NB-555.
Yes, I've walked that disused pavement. 3 alignments next to each other there.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Dougtone on December 14, 2019, 10:29:31 AM
Come visit the picturesque Deer Isle Bridge over the Eggemoggin Reach in Maine. I found a lot of information about the bridge to go along with my photos.
https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/deer-isle-bridge-in-maine.html (https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/deer-isle-bridge-in-maine.html)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on December 15, 2019, 01:12:11 AM
Quote from: Dougtone on December 14, 2019, 10:29:31 AM
Come visit the picturesque Deer Isle Bridge over the Eggemoggin Reach in Maine. I found a lot of information about the bridge to go along with my photos.
https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/deer-isle-bridge-in-maine.html (https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/deer-isle-bridge-in-maine.html)
I'm just gonna say the word Eggemoggin out loud for awhile.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Dougtone on December 15, 2019, 07:16:43 AM
Quote from: Alps on December 15, 2019, 01:12:11 AM
Quote from: Dougtone on December 14, 2019, 10:29:31 AM
Come visit the picturesque Deer Isle Bridge over the Eggemoggin Reach in Maine. I found a lot of information about the bridge to go along with my photos.
https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/deer-isle-bridge-in-maine.html (https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/deer-isle-bridge-in-maine.html)
I'm just gonna say the word Eggemoggin out loud for awhile.
Are you going to try to say Eggemoggin five times fast?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on December 15, 2019, 01:46:07 PM
It sounds too much like Egg McMuffin. Ayuh!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on December 23, 2019, 12:17:14 PM
Quote from: Dougtone on December 14, 2019, 10:29:31 AM
Come visit the picturesque Deer Isle Bridge over the Eggemoggin Reach in Maine. I found a lot of information about the bridge to go along with my photos.
https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/deer-isle-bridge-in-maine.html (https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/deer-isle-bridge-in-maine.html)

I had no idea that bridge existed until stumbling across it by accident. I have a tremendous affection for those artful Steinman bridges, and lament the loss of the Waldo Hancock Bridge every time I go through that area, so what a great surprise it was to stumble upon another one hidden off in the back roads.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on January 07, 2020, 02:18:33 PM
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/major-car-crash-pile-up-on-i-95-northbound-in-maine-causes-many-injuries/97-96a206fe-f935-4b76-abee-734db37f3305

I-95 North in Carmel, ME, a few miles west of Bangor. 30 vehicles involved. Some combination of the blinding morning sun and the design of the road. The same spot saw an even worse pile up in either 2015 or 2016. It was snowing at the time of that one.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on January 08, 2020, 01:25:53 PM
One of our more unusual BGSes is in the area:
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7597921,-68.9816209,3a,36.9y,110.63h,92.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1st-2YxHs3LJNMB5Op-7aIXg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: roadman on January 08, 2020, 01:28:54 PM
Quote from: Dougtone on December 15, 2019, 07:16:43 AM
Quote from: Alps on December 15, 2019, 01:12:11 AM
Quote from: Dougtone on December 14, 2019, 10:29:31 AM
Come visit the picturesque Deer Isle Bridge over the Eggemoggin Reach in Maine. I found a lot of information about the bridge to go along with my photos.
https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/deer-isle-bridge-in-maine.html (https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/deer-isle-bridge-in-maine.html)
I'm just gonna say the word Eggemoggin out loud for awhile.
Are you going to try to say Eggemoggin five times fast?
Easy.  "Egernoggin.  Five times fast."
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on January 11, 2020, 01:09:54 PM
Quote from: yakra on January 08, 2020, 01:25:53 PM
One of our more unusual BGSes is in the area:
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7597921,-68.9816209,3a,36.9y,110.63h,92.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1st-2YxHs3LJNMB5Op-7aIXg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

YIKES! How many non-Maine agencies made that one?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: ClassicHasClass on January 12, 2020, 01:47:43 AM
Actually, that looks more like an old-school Maine sign, or at least the gantry does. They used gantries like that during the first iteration of the Turnpike.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: PHLBOS on January 13, 2020, 08:35:13 AM
Quote from: yakra on January 08, 2020, 01:25:53 PMOne of our more unusual BGSes is in the area:
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7597921,-68.9816209,3a,36.9y,110.63h,92.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1st-2YxHs3LJNMB5Op-7aIXg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Even more odder is that its predecessor through-sign shows a neutered I-95 shield (see 2009 & 2011 GSVs) whereas its recent replacement is a state-named shield.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on January 13, 2020, 03:40:57 PM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on January 12, 2020, 01:47:43 AM
Actually, that looks more like an old-school Maine sign, or at least the gantry does. They used gantries like that during the first iteration of the Turnpike.

If you look closely at the lower left corner on each BGS, you'll see DOT 2019 or similar dates over the past couple of years.  They just replaced most of the older signs last year.  Clues are the restoration of MAINE on the 95 shield, and the proper large capital N to start NORTH.  Before the replacement, most shields had been state-neutered, and initial "overcapitals" were rare.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: ClassicHasClass on January 13, 2020, 09:04:39 PM
Yes, I got that far. The retroflective background would also indicate it isn't actually an old sign. :poke: But it's amusing (to me) that the layout and the gantry resemble older ones, like this: http://www.floodgap.com/roadgap/me/archive/00001-VS2.jpg
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 14, 2020, 09:28:10 AM
Quote from: sturmde on January 13, 2020, 03:40:57 PM
If you look closely at the lower left corner on each BGS, you'll see DOT 2019.  They just replaced the older signs last year.  Clues are the restoration of MAINE on the 95 shield, and the proper large capital N to start NORTH.

That would be a bit surprising, since the linked streetview imagery is dated September 2018.  :-P

They're still fairly new signs though. The 2011 imagery has the neutered 95 shield, and small capital N.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Roadsguy on January 14, 2020, 09:40:29 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on January 14, 2020, 09:28:10 AM
Quote from: sturmde on January 13, 2020, 03:40:57 PM
If you look closely at the lower left corner on each BGS, you'll see DOT 2019.  They just replaced the older signs last year.  Clues are the restoration of MAINE on the 95 shield, and the proper large capital N to start NORTH.

That would be a bit surprising, since the linked streetview imagery is dated September 2018.  :-P

They're still fairly new signs though. The 2011 imagery has the neutered 95 shield, and small capital N.

I see "MDOT 0116" (January 2016?) on both signs and the exit tab in the Sept 2018 Street View, so I don't know what sturmde saw.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on February 06, 2020, 11:13:15 PM
Had a few questions about some practices in Maine for a while...

1. Why are minimum speed limits only posted on the Maine Turnpike* (I-95) from exit 7 to 109, and MaineDOT-owned freeways (including Maine Turnpike Approach and Falmouth Spur) only show the posted speed limit? After south of Exit 7 and north of exit 109 in I-95, only the posted speed limit is signed and the minimum speed signs disappear.

2. Why are there no exit numbers on the freeway portion on US-1 in Bath?

3. Are exit numbers on I-195, I-195 between Scarborough and Falmouth Spur, and I-395 sequential?

4. On the major state routes that are non-freeway, like US 202 or SR 4, why are there no mile markers posted like what New Hampshire (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1123074,-71.0391898,3a,16.3y,48.3h,82.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQKDVnMWDo5HdWEcUjcY87A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) and Massachusetts (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7392296,-71.1962251,3a,35.7y,336.64h,85.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8kkVfblDCjZ0gckfVd0KJw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) does on those kinds of roads?

5. Will guide signs north of Augusta in I-95/395 be replaced soon, as well as on 295 in Portland?

6. On exit 45 on the Maine Turnpike, when the signs were replaced, I noticed that the destinations were changed back to "South Portland / Maine Mall Rd." (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6159983,-70.3612276,3a,17.4y,37.75h,96.05t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLPvZYQAxyBUmIDc5TNWNPA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192). Originally with the old exit numbers (7), it was originally also "South Portland / Maine Mall Rd." (http://www.teresco.org/pics/portland-20011118/signs/PB180017.JPG), but sometime within the exit renumbering, the destinations were changed to "Maine Mall Rd. / Payne Rd." (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6162499,-70.3609088,3a,15.1y,45.86h,92.16t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s9fcao9LTrvwd76IluLSYjw!2e0!5s20181001T000000!7i13312!8i6656). Any clue why the destinations were changed during the 2004 exit renumbering?

7. Will variable speed limit signs like the ones seen on the ORT plazas be installed on the mainline Turnpike/I-95? Seems wasteful to have the normal/minimum speed limit posted, only to have another sign later saying "maximum speed 45 when flashing". NH does this with I-93 between MA and NH-101. Could those "maximum speed 45 when flashing" signs be ADVISORY only? Seems contradictory because when speeds are reduced, they are also posted on the REGULATORY signs on the ORT plazas...

8. In addition, why was the "maximum speed 45 when flashing" on I-295 and the MaineDOT segment of I-95 replaced with "reduce speed in inclement weather" signs?

9. Why do the pull-through signs on 295 in Portland, as well as 95/395 in Bangor say "Thru Traffic"? Shouldn't it say the next control city (South Portland/Scarborough/Falmouth/Augusta/Newport/Orono/Houlton/Brewer/Ellsworth)?

10. Is the Exit 1A tab incorrectly posted? This is not a left exit. (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7864889,-68.802789,3a,24.4y,276.25h,95.15t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8UlcspDsLGqEwVkBZxiNLA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3D8UlcspDsLGqEwVkBZxiNLA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.revgeo_and_fetch.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D96%26h%3D64%26yaw%3D88.52477%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)

*A source from the Maine Turnpike Authority told me that they bought out the stretch from where the Piscataqua River Bridge touches down on land on the Maine side to MM 2.2, so that implies that the Maine Turnpike Authority now has ownership from the NH line to ex. 109 in Augusta.

EDIT: The Maine Turnpike only bought out the stretch from where the Piscataqua River Bridge touches down on land on the Maine side to Mile Marker 2.2, not to the NH line like I originally said.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on February 06, 2020, 11:19:23 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on February 06, 2020, 11:13:15 PM
Had a few questions about some practices in Maine for a while...

1. Why are minimum speed limits only posted on the Maine Turnpike* (I-95) from exit 7 to 109, and MaineDOT-owned freeways (including Maine Turnpike Approach and Falmouth Spur) only show the posted speed limit? After south of Exit 7 and north of exit 109 in I-95, only the posted speed limit is signed and the minimum speed signs disappear.

2. Why are there no exit numbers on the freeway portion on US-1 in Bath?

3. Are exit numbers on I-195, I-295 between Scarborough and Falmouth Spur, and I-395 sequential?

4. On the major state routes that are non-freeway, like US 202 or SR 4, why are there no mile markers posted like what New Hampshire (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1123074,-71.0391898,3a,16.3y,48.3h,82.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQKDVnMWDo5HdWEcUjcY87A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) and Massachusetts (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7392296,-71.1962251,3a,35.7y,336.64h,85.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8kkVfblDCjZ0gckfVd0KJw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) does on those kinds of roads?

5. Will guide signs north of Augusta in I-95/395 be replaced soon, as well as on 295 in Portland?

6. On exit 45 on the Maine Turnpike, when the signs were replaced, I noticed that the destinations were changed back to "South Portland / Maine Mall Rd." (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6159983,-70.3612276,3a,17.4y,37.75h,96.05t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLPvZYQAxyBUmIDc5TNWNPA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192). Originally with the old exit numbers (7), it was originally also "South Portland / Maine Mall Rd." (http://www.teresco.org/pics/portland-20011118/signs/PB180017.JPG), but sometime within the exit renumbering, the destinations were changed to "Maine Mall Rd. / Payne Rd." (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6162499,-70.3609088,3a,15.1y,45.86h,92.16t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s9fcao9LTrvwd76IluLSYjw!2e0!5s20181001T000000!7i13312!8i6656). Any clue why the destinations were changed during the 2004 exit renumbering?

7. Will variable speed limit signs like the ones seen on the ORT plazas be installed on the mainline Turnpike/I-95? Seems wasteful to have the normal/minimum speed limit posted, only to have another sign later saying "maximum speed 45 when flashing". NH does this with I-93 between MA and NH-101. Could those "maximum speed 45 when flashing" signs be ADVISORY only? Seems contradictory because when speeds are reduced, they are also posted on the REGULATORY signs on the ORT plazas...

8. In addition, why was the "maximum speed 45 when flashing" on I-295 and the MaineDOT segment of I-95 replaced with "reduce speed in inclement weather" signs?

9. Why do the pull-through signs on 295 in Portland, as well as 95/395 in Bangor say "Thru Traffic"? Shouldn't it say the next control city (South Portland/Scarborough/Falmouth/Augusta/Newport/Orono/Houlton/Brewer/Ellsworth)?

10. Is the Exit 1A tab incorrectly posted? This is not a left exit. (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7864889,-68.802789,3a,24.4y,276.25h,95.15t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8UlcspDsLGqEwVkBZxiNLA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3D8UlcspDsLGqEwVkBZxiNLA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.revgeo_and_fetch.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D96%26h%3D64%26yaw%3D88.52477%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)

*A source from the Maine Turnpike Authority told me that they bought out the stretch from the NH line to MM 2.2, so that implies that the Maine Turnpike Authority now has ownership from the NH line to ex. 109 in Augusta.
1. different agency
2. not long enough
3. 295 is sequential. I think the others are close together and therefore both.
4. Maine doesn't do that
6. I imagine that signing a destination became more important. See new MUTCD.
7. I know of no plans for variable speeds.
9. My guess is next sign replacement will do what you suggest.
10. I've seen this issue pop up from time to time among all agencies lately. *shrug*
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 02, 2020, 03:44:16 AM
3. Call them sequential. These sections were not renumbered in the switch to milepost based in 2004. 195 & 395 are probably "close enough", though I don't know how the actual mileposts shake out & can't be arsed to look ATM. On "classic" I-295 thru Portland, exit numbers are off by about 1. Milepost 6 is in the gore of Exit 7. (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6678692,-70.2595979,3a,28.2y,229.63h,85.83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slcgBYZTVowi6qWob6OvHhQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

5. Guide signs in Portland are new within the last several years.

6. Steve, is listing both a city name and a street name OK again?

7. I've only seen those "maximum speed 45 when flashing" signs used during snowstorms. Black text. Yellow background. I interpret that as...

8. Wait, friggin'. Huh? They're gone? Christbub, nawt like anybody paid attentionna them anyway.

9. Heh. I thought those in Portland had been replaced in kind recently, but re-checking GMSV, maybe not?

Quote*A source from the Maine Turnpike Authority told me that they bought out the stretch from the NH line to MM 2.2, so that implies that the Maine Turnpike Authority now has ownership from the NH line to ex. 109 in Augusta.
Wow, no kidding... Between the 2014 & 2016 revisions of the MEDOTPUBRDS shapefiles, the switch from State hwy to Toll hwy jurisdiction changed: 2014 ~= Spruce Creek bridge N of ME101; 2016 ~= where the Piscataqua River Bridge touches down on land. Either the MTA bought out a little more of it, or some wires got crossed in communication...
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 02, 2020, 09:03:58 AM
Quote from: yakra on March 02, 2020, 03:44:16 AM
Quote*A source from the Maine Turnpike Authority told me that they bought out the stretch from the NH line to MM 2.2, so that implies that the Maine Turnpike Authority now has ownership from the NH line to ex. 109 in Augusta.
Wow, no kidding... Between the 2014 & 2016 revisions of the MEDOTPUBRDS shapefiles, the switch from State hwy to Toll hwy jurisdiction changed: 2014 ~= Spruce Creek bridge N of ME101; 2016 ~= where the Piscataqua River Bridge touches down on land. Either the MTA bought out a little more of it, or some wires got crossed in communication...

Well that would explain the "begin Maine Turnpike" sign that appeared right after the bridge sometime between 2015 and 2018: https://goo.gl/maps/6YHUbBePL3bcvAV5A
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on March 02, 2020, 09:05:37 AM
Quote from: yakra on March 02, 2020, 03:44:16 AM
3. Call them sequential. These sections were not renumbered in the switch to milepost based in 2004. 195 & 395 are probably "close enough", though I don't know how the actual mileposts shake out & can't be arsed to look ATM. On "classic" I-295 thru Portland, exit numbers are off by about 1. Milepost 6 is in the gore of Exit 7. (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6678692,-70.2595979,3a,28.2y,229.63h,85.83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slcgBYZTVowi6qWob6OvHhQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

5. Guide signs in Portland are new within the last several years.

6. Steve, is listing both a city name and a street name OK again?

7. I've only seen those "maximum speed 45 when flashing" signs used during snowstorms. Black text. Yellow background. I interpret that as...

8. Wait, friggin'. Huh? They're gone? Christbub, nawt like anybody paid attentionna them anyway.

9. Heh. I thought those in Portland had been replaced in kind recently, but re-checking GMSV, maybe not?

Quote*A source from the Maine Turnpike Authority told me that they bought out the stretch from the NH line to MM 2.2, so that implies that the Maine Turnpike Authority now has ownership from the NH line to ex. 109 in Augusta.
Wow, no kidding... Between the 2014 & 2016 revisions of the MEDOTPUBRDS shapefiles, the switch from State hwy to Toll hwy jurisdiction changed: 2014 ~= Spruce Creek bridge N of ME101; 2016 ~= where the Piscataqua River Bridge touches down on land. Either the MTA bought out a little more of it, or some wires got crossed in communication...

For 5 and 9: Exit 1 northbound was replaced as part of the ORT projected, some of the Exit 5 signs were replaced in 2018 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6437782,-70.2914929,3a,53.1y,41.74h,92.87t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1soFeLsq1UJ73fU7D_B8CFew!2e0!5s20180701T000000!7i16384!8i8192), and I believe exits 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 11 were replaced between 2010-2012. Believe the remaining Portland-area signs are original but not sure.

For 7 and 8, according to the AARoads Photo Gallery of I-95, some of those signs were also used as part of the moose crossing detection system. Not sure about 295. Here are two examples:

I-95 (MaineDOT): Before (pictured below is from 27 June 2005 from AARoads, and here is a newer 2011 sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.6491954,-69.5163841,3a,25.8y,46.72h,87.23t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sQIC33WpY3SVhHwxaMvozoA!2e0!5s20110801T000000!7i13312!8i6656))

(https://www.aaroads.com/me/095/i-095_nb_exit_150_01.jpg)

After (removed sometime after May 2018 and replaced with a VMS sign) (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.649162,-69.5164326,3a,75y,59.78h,89.79t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s011huhf5lh1bKnHfj8ivTQ!2e0!5s20190501T000000!7i16384!8i8192)

I-295 (MaineDOT):
Before (Oct 2016) (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6713558,-70.2581979,3a,75y,18.54h,88.89t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1ssrI0IrqS6BaRaH_QMvY18w!2e0!5s20161001T000000!7i13312!8i6656)
After (Jul 2018-present) (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6713542,-70.2582008,3a,75y,18.54h,88.89t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sAWOLzCz5y5qg9FiwCy7QbA!2e0!5s20180701T000000!7i13312!8i6656)

As for the MTA ownership, I started noticing when these signs started popping up in 2016-ish (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0963192,-70.7600384,3a,19.3y,272.11h,89.61t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swM2c8v_zKdt44aCPN67uTw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) (what it was originally (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0962193,-70.7598738,3a,15y,275.72h,87.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMwqRolRQsqF-ewnhjdEssw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656), also this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1164256,-70.7325651,3a,26.1y,249.39h,86.05t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0vsFP-zErszpYyzpfQbmvQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) close to MM2.2), and was curious about what was going on...
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: PHLBOS on March 02, 2020, 09:07:55 AM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on February 06, 2020, 11:13:15 PM
10. Is the Exit 1A tab incorrectly posted? This is not a left exit. (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7864889,-68.802789,3a,24.4y,276.25h,95.15t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8UlcspDsLGqEwVkBZxiNLA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3D8UlcspDsLGqEwVkBZxiNLA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.revgeo_and_fetch.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D96%26h%3D64%26yaw%3D88.52477%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)
I've seen similar exit tab placement boo-boos elsewhere.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 02, 2020, 02:34:00 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on March 02, 2020, 09:05:37 AM
I-295 (MaineDOT):
Before (Oct 2016) (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6713558,-70.2581979,3a,75y,18.54h,88.89t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1ssrI0IrqS6BaRaH_QMvY18w!2e0!5s20161001T000000!7i13312!8i6656)
After (Jul 2018-present) (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6713542,-70.2582008,3a,75y,18.54h,88.89t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sAWOLzCz5y5qg9FiwCy7QbA!2e0!5s20180701T000000!7i13312!8i6656)
Those solar panels tho
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on March 02, 2020, 03:19:15 PM
Quote from: yakra on March 02, 2020, 03:44:16 AM
6. Steve, is listing both a city name and a street name OK again?

I found this on the 2009 MUTCD:

Quote from: 2009 MUTCD, CHAPTER 2E. GUIDE SIGNS–FREEWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS
Section 2E.10 Amount of Legend on Guide Signs
Guidance:
01 No more than two destination names or street names should be displayed on any Advance Guide sign or Exit
Direction sign. A city name and street name on the same sign should be avoided. Where two or three signs are
placed on the same supports, destinations or names should be limited to one per sign, or to a total of three in the
display. Sign legends should not exceed three lines of copy, exclusive of the exit number and action or distance
information.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on March 02, 2020, 04:48:50 PM
Re:  #6

The change from South Portland/Maine Mall Road to "Maine Mall Rd/Payne Rd was part of a combined Portland area exit sign change for exits 45-48.  Prior to the change, you had several exits all labelled "Portland".  Exit 48 was "Portland/Westbrook", Exit 45 was under construction, and new Exit 46 was "Jetport/Portland".  Sometime shortly after Exit 45 opened, it was decided to change the "vaugeness" of Portland by getting specific with street names.  There were already signs that read "Portland use Exits 44, 46, 47, 48 / South Portland use Exits 45, 46" signs NB before Exit 44 and SB before Exit 48. 

Exit 44 (I-295) was changed when the express EZ-Pass conversion had Exit 1 to South Portland closed, so having South Portland signed on Exit 44 didn't make sense at the time, so it was greened out.  Now with the express lanes, one has to cut over relatively quick to get from those lanes to the South Portland exit.  And all that exit does is lead you onto the "Maine Turnpike Approach Road" which is the connector between Exit 45 and US 1.  The only difference is if you use Exit 45, there is no exit toll (entrance only). 

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on March 02, 2020, 08:39:38 PM
OK...if it's technically now the Maine Turnpike at the Maine side of the Piscataqua River Bridge...

Are those three exits in Kittery (2 exits southbound) still considered toll free? I also wondered about Exit 7 in York, as that always came before the existing York toll plaza.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on March 02, 2020, 09:05:49 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on March 02, 2020, 04:48:50 PM
Re:  #6

The change from South Portland/Maine Mall Road to "Maine Mall Rd/Payne Rd was part of a combined Portland area exit sign change for exits 45-48.  Prior to the change, you had several exits all labelled "Portland".  Exit 48 was "Portland/Westbrook", Exit 45 was under construction, and new Exit 46 was "Jetport/Portland".  Sometime shortly after Exit 45 opened, it was decided to change the "vaugeness" of Portland by getting specific with street names.  There were already signs that read "Portland use Exits 44, 46, 47, 48 / South Portland use Exits 45, 46" signs NB before Exit 44 and SB before Exit 48. 

Exit 44 (I-295) was changed when the express EZ-Pass conversion had Exit 1 to South Portland closed, so having South Portland signed on Exit 44 didn't make sense at the time, so it was greened out.  Now with the express lanes, one has to cut over relatively quick to get from those lanes to the South Portland exit.  And all that exit does is lead you onto the "Maine Turnpike Approach Road" which is the connector between Exit 45 and US 1.  The only difference is if you use Exit 45, there is no exit toll (entrance only). 


I thought exit 45 was the original and exit 44 was added when I-295 was built?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on March 02, 2020, 10:19:33 PM
Exit 44 (I-295) was added later.  Its old # was 6A.  The only true Portland exit back then would've been what is now #48, as #45 was (and is once again) South Portland.  The Portland signage on the guide signs made more sense back then.  Now with multiple Portland exits, a little more description is prudent.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 03, 2020, 08:20:51 AM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on March 02, 2020, 08:39:38 PM
OK...if it's technically now the Maine Turnpike at the Maine side of the Piscataqua River Bridge...

Are those three exits in Kittery (2 exits southbound) still considered toll free? I also wondered about Exit 7 in York, as that always came before the existing York toll plaza.

Yes, it will remain toll-free from exit 7 south.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Stephane Dumas on March 04, 2020, 07:18:32 PM
Btw, when Exit 63 (US-202, ME-26) near Gray was converted from a trumpet-T intersection interchange into a folded diamond/A4 parclo?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 04, 2020, 08:50:40 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on March 04, 2020, 07:18:32 PM
Btw, when Exit 63 (US-202, ME-26A) near Gray was converted from a trumpet-T intersection interchange into a folded diamond/A4 parclo?
2016-10-24
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on March 06, 2020, 02:44:28 PM
Over the past three months, I have noticed that most of the guide signs along the entire Maine Turnpike have been replaced. The signs at Exit 25, 46, 47, and 48, as well as a southbound rest area sign between Exit 42 and 36 are still original and are the last few Maine Turnpike signs that are both signed with both miles and kilometres (dual units)...

My question is when the Exit 19 signs were replaced, why did Sanford disappear as a control city on the new Exit 19 signs and instead replaced with Ogunquit? I understand why they may have removed it from the southbound direction because the Exit 32 interchange now signs Biddeford and Sanford, but northbound I have no possible explanation why. Sanford is now posted on an auxiliary brown sign in addition to "Lakes Region".
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on March 06, 2020, 05:13:18 PM
Haven't seen any sign plans for Exit 19, Northbound.  Not sure why they aren't in the current NH state line to ~ MM 20 contract.  Also odd why Exit 25 got skipped.

Exits 46-48 are going to get replaced as part of the widening in that area over the next few years. 

Service Plaza signage is the last "phase" of sign replacement.  Again, not sure why it wasn't done when exits on either side of a plaza were re-signed.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on March 06, 2020, 05:28:13 PM
QuoteExits 46-48 are going to get replaced as part of the widening in that area over the next few years. 

Is it confirmed that said widening is going to happen?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on March 06, 2020, 09:01:28 PM
Yup...
First portion, MM 43-46, now out to bid.  https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects/Construction-Contracts/Portland-Area-Widening-Safety-Improvements-MM-43-0.aspx
Second portion, MM46-49, bid 3rd quarter 2020.

Widening won't extend all the way to the Falmouth Spur, but ending north of Exit 48 is a good compromise. 

Still not sure of why Exit 45 is being converted from a trumpet to a diamond.  Is a westward extension coming to fruition in the future?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on March 06, 2020, 09:32:42 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on March 06, 2020, 02:44:28 PM
Over the past three months, I have noticed that most of the guide signs along the entire Maine Turnpike have been replaced. The signs at Exit 25, 46, 47, and 48, as well as a southbound rest area sign between Exit 42 and 36 are still original and are the last few Maine Turnpike signs that are both signed with both miles and kilometres (dual units)...

My question is when the Exit 19 signs were replaced, why did Sanford disappear as a control city on the new Exit 19 signs and instead replaced with Ogunquit? I understand why they may have removed it from the southbound direction because the Exit 32 interchange now signs Biddeford and Sanford, but northbound I have no possible explanation why. Sanford is now posted on an auxiliary brown sign in addition to "Lakes Region".
My guess is NB was done to match SB.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on March 06, 2020, 10:06:40 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on March 06, 2020, 09:01:28 PM
Yup...
First portion, MM 43-46, now out to bid.  https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects/Construction-Contracts/Portland-Area-Widening-Safety-Improvements-MM-43-0.aspx
Second portion, MM46-49, bid 3rd quarter 2020.

Widening won't extend all the way to the Falmouth Spur, but ending north of Exit 48 is a good compromise. 

Still not sure of why Exit 45 is being converted from a free-flowing diamond (into/out of a limited access highway) to a diamond.  Is a westward extension coming to fruition in the future?
Maybe they got tired of people using that exit to shunpike the toll to exit directly onto I-295.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 06, 2020, 11:31:04 PM
Quote from: froggie on March 06, 2020, 05:28:13 PM
QuoteExits 46-48 are going to get replaced as part of the widening in that area over the next few years. 
Is it confirmed that said widening is going to happen?
Construction is underway as we speak. Type. As we type.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 07, 2020, 12:17:28 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on March 06, 2020, 09:01:28 PM
Still not sure of why Exit 45 is being converted from a trumpet to a diamond.
Quote from: vdeane on March 06, 2020, 10:06:40 PM
Maybe they got tired of people using that exit to shunpike the toll to exit directly onto I-295.
Almost crapped a brick when I first saw shadyjay's post. But it's not so bad...
https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects/Construction-Projects/2019-13-Exit-45-Preload-(1).aspx
https://www.maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike2012/files/a1/a16deb97-6f69-4710-a33d-54254493a614.jpg (1538x632)
It appears the shunpike movement will still be a free-flowing right turn, no stopping or yielding involved. And that's the only movement I care about, really. :)
Having the toll plazas on the ramps should keep traffic slower & more orderly; right now, people just fly right thru the mainline plaza area (as no stopping is required EB), 30 MPH speed limit be damned. People gawtta work theyah bub!
Once the old plaza is removed, it would make sense to straighten out the through lanes there. And hopefully increase the speed limit.

Quote from: shadyjay on March 06, 2020, 09:01:28 PM
Is a westward extension coming to fruition in the future?
Maybe? The legislature overrode LePage's veto & passed a bill enabling the MTA to study one, at least. There were some enthusiastic newspaper articles around that time (maybe I posted a link upthread?) but I haven't seen much in a while; never seen any planned alignments, diagrams or anything.
The MTA does have a page for The Gorham East West Planning Project (https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects-Planning/Planning-Projects/The-Gorham-East-West-Planning-Project.aspx). I've just started reading the BIG BAD PDF (https://www.maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike2012/files/d5/d52080a0-5698-4066-9e52-08a395ecf9e3.pdf); hopefully I'll come across something neato. Edit: Ha. Nope. It refers to 2010 in the future tense.

Worth noting that the new overpass skewing more to the south (left in the image above) will set things up for an extension south of Target and toward Running Hill Rd.

Edit: Removed IMG tag from oversized image; replaced with a link.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Stephane Dumas on May 13, 2020, 06:41:24 PM
Sorry if it was already posted.

I saw this PDF report, I don't know if Maine Tpk changed their plans but they published some ideas of improvements of Exit 36 (former Exit 5 who link to I-195, who once desserved ME-112) and one alternative is a C-D setup to put ramp with ME-112 and another suggested a short I-195 western extension.
https://maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike2012/media/PDFs/Saco_Final-Report_FINAL_7-22-19.pdf
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on May 13, 2020, 08:51:12 PM
Looking at the comparison of alternatives, my guess is they would go with the modification of the exit with the c/d lanes, possibly with the ME 112/ME 5 connector road depending on funding.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on May 13, 2020, 11:11:56 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on March 02, 2020, 08:39:38 PM
OK...if it's technically now the Maine Turnpike at the Maine side of the Piscataqua River Bridge...

Are those three exits in Kittery (2 exits southbound) still considered toll free? I also wondered about Exit 7 in York, as that always came before the existing York toll plaza.


All the exits south of the York toll plaza are toll-free.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: KEVIN_224 on May 17, 2020, 06:14:26 PM
Right. I know about the existing York plaza. BTW, how close are they with the new toll plaza further north? (Haven't been in ME since March 2019).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on May 17, 2020, 08:45:08 PM
Looks like some good progress is being made.  At least one direction of the ORT has been put up.  I believe traffic is still shifted to the right, through what will be the future cash lanes.  Then at some point will be shifted back to the middle once the ORT gantries are up so that booth construction can occur.

See https://www.buildingabettergateway.com/ or https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects/Construction-Projects/2018-20-York-Toll-Plaza-Replacement-Project-Conver.aspx

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on October 04, 2020, 12:14:33 AM
The traffic signals at Portland's infamous 6-way intersection by the USM campus have been removed completely as work progresses on the conversion to a roundabout.
Whole friggin' thing's gravel bub.
Traffic on Brighton Ave flows through unimpeded in both directions; cones are placed along the center line to discourage left turns.
Deering Ave is closed between the * and Bedford St, resulting in ME25 being detoured via Brighton & Bedford, which may now be in the early stages of permanent 2-way traffic.
Both legs of Falmouth St are closed heading into the intersection, open heading out. Not that this bothers some motorists; they'll just drive in the left lane for 740 feet (from the barricade at Oakdale) then weave their way through the cones. :ded:
Southbound Deering Ave is detoured onto Fessenden, but not anywhere else from Fessenden. :pan:
Northbound Deering can still leave the intersection. On the right as we do so, the sidewalk has been demolished adjacent to the first parcel.
(2011 Street View (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6618746,-70.2790383,3a,29.8y,84.33h,81.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLqVvyBzlhY8UkAxJHKZ8vQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)) The tree on the right, the drainage grate, the utility pole @ left, all gone; the fire hydrant relocated. The whole corner is rounded off past the desire line to the base of the tree at left. Its leaves are hanging over the edge of the sod into the roadway.

The ultimate plan calls for an elongated, elliptical 5-legged roundabout, with the end of Brighton demolished and added to Bedford Park. Deering will have a left turn lane for Bedford, and the end of Bedford will be a right-turn-only lane; traffic from Bedford wanting to turn left onto Deering will have to use the roundabout and reverse direction.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on October 04, 2020, 01:05:37 AM
Quote from: yakra on October 04, 2020, 12:14:33 AM
The traffic signals at Portland's infamous 6-way intersection by the USM campus have been removed completely as work progresses on the conversion to a roundabout.
Whole friggin' thing's gravel bub.
Traffic on Brighton Ave flows through unimpeded in both directions; cones are placed along the center line to discourage left turns.
Deering Ave is closed between the * and Bedford St, resulting in ME25 being detoured via Brighton & Bedford, which may now be in the early stages of permanent 2-way traffic.
Both legs of Falmouth St are closed heading into the intersection, open heading out. Not that this bothers some motorists; they'll just drive in the left lane for 740 feet (from the barricade at Oakdale) then weave their way through the cones. :ded:
Southbound Deering Ave is detoured onto Fessenden, but not anywhere else from Fessenden. :pan:
Northbound Deering can still leave the intersection. On the right as we do so, the sidewalk has been demolished adjacent to the first parcel.
(2011 Street View (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6618746,-70.2790383,3a,29.8y,84.33h,81.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLqVvyBzlhY8UkAxJHKZ8vQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)) The tree on the right, the drainage grate, the utility pole @ left, all gone; the fire hydrant relocated. The whole corner is rounded off past the desire line to the base of the tree at left. Its leaves are hanging over the edge of the sod into the roadway.

The ultimate plan calls for an elongated, elliptical 5-legged roundabout, with the end of Brighton demolished and added to Bedford Park. Deering will have a left turn lane for Bedford, and the end of Bedford will be a right-turn-only lane; traffic from Bedford wanting to turn left onto Deering will have to use the roundabout and reverse direction.
Whenever Canada is open, I look forward to traipsing through this way.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on October 04, 2020, 11:00:32 AM
Quote from: yakratraffic from Bedford wanting to turn left onto Deering will have to use the roundabout and reverse direction.

I can't imagine there's a lot of traffic making that movement, and I would expect most of it is traffic coming down Forest Ave heading to the hospital (who could also hop on Deering at Woodfords Corner).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on October 04, 2020, 11:50:08 AM
Back in my cab driving years, I had some passengers who wanted to go that way (complete with the sharp Brighton->Deering turn) from the Hannaford supermarket to, meh... Park Ave? Somewhere near Hadlock Field? Or even East of Deering Ave? Didn't make much sense to me, but hey, you da boss!
Hannaford to Chamberlain/Surrenden/Washburn/Granite or the bottom of a few perpendicular streets seems about the only utility of this movement.

TL;DR: Agreed.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on November 24, 2020, 12:49:16 AM
Dude bub guy they finally put a traffic light at Washin'on an' Fawkes!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on December 07, 2020, 04:21:31 PM
So lately, I've been noticing that MaineDOT has been very inconsistent between installing 5-section doghouses and FYA for protected-permissive left turns, even though starting in 2019, I was told MaineDOT policy was that FYA shall be used for all new PPLT operation with a dedicated left-turn lane. However, I've been seeing a lot of new doghouses (and other yield on green signals) on new installs with dedicated LT lanes... some places like Bangor at Main and Union St (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@44.7986063,-68.7727033,3a,81.1y,14.93h,88.54t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBnPgycYjgAAeSjVM7jmezw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) introducing a yellow trap hazard where none even existed before*.

One hypothesis I may have is maybe they never bothered changing out the controller when the replaced the actual signals?

Also FYI, in most cases, under a new policy, MaineDOT will not allow protected/permissive left turns across 2+ oncoming thru lanes. Those have to be set to full-time protected only (I asked about using TOD phasing with FYA... they said special signage is needed for that kind of operation).

*Using lead-lag phasing, the left turn from northbound Main St to westbound Union St used to be protected only via sign for the leading direction, and the left turn from southbound Main St to eastbound Union St was permissive-protected. The phasing for the new signals were unchanged, however, both directions are now yield on green, and yellow trap occurs from the NB Main St to WB Union St left turn movement.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on December 08, 2020, 10:04:31 AM
Is it possible that some of those doghouse installs (like your Bangor example) are city installs and not MaineDOT?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on December 08, 2020, 01:14:32 PM
Quote from: froggie on December 08, 2020, 10:04:31 AM
Is it possible that some of those doghouse installs (like your Bangor example) are city installs and not MaineDOT?

There is a possibility it could be a city install and not a MaineDOT install (last time I checked (https://www.maine.gov/mdot/publications/docs/plansreports/mainedot-mobility-report-web.pdf), and told personally by MaineDOT employees, MaineDOT only maintains 6.37%, or 51 of 801 signals in the entire state as of 2018). I do know they did work on projects like in Watervillle but not sure who maintains them after that. That is all about to change as part of the BUILD grant (https://www.maine.gov/mdot/grants/build/docs/2020/Signal%20Upgrades%20Grant%20Application.pdf) to replace traffic signals statewide in many municipalities, like in Sanford and Waterville.

Unlike NHDOT, in Maine, it is not easy to tell what is and is not a DOT maintained signal (Was told this from an NHDOT employee, in NH, the S-XXX-YY sticker on the signal box (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2079259,-71.483205,3a,18.6y,100.29h,81.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swicMctNHN1OTjHeMyTPqvw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) is a dead giveaway that it's a DOT maintained signal, S being state itself, XXX being the city/town code, and YY being the signal number in said municipality)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on December 09, 2020, 02:38:26 PM
Quote from: froggie on December 08, 2020, 10:04:31 AM
Is it possible that some of those doghouse installs (like your Bangor example) are city installs and not MaineDOT?
.
The City of Bangor is one of the few cities with its own traffic light installation team in the City Engineer's office.  They also perform services for a number of surrounding towns, as I remember once years ago trying to figure why (as a Bangor taxpayer) I was seeing a Bangor crew working on a traffic light up in Orono (Stillwater and Bennoch) on my way to work.  Turns out, Bangor hires its crew out to surrounding towns as requested.  The new signal at Union and Main was a Bangor install.  Also, they've done new installs at Union and Fourteenth, and Ohio and Fourteenth.  All pole and arm mounted signals as opposed to wire-hung.  All  nicely done with black surrounds with highlight fluorescent strong yellow edge lining.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on April 16, 2021, 03:00:15 PM
Deering's Corner Roundabout (https://www.portlandmaine.gov/2286/Deerings-Corner-Roundabout) Up-D*te:

Bedford is fully 2-way now, controlled by a stop sign at Deering (ME25). The easternmost leg of Brighton is permanently closed. In theory. Curbs are installed at Bedford, with a curb cut to access the USM campus near Payson Smith Hall, blocked off by orange barrels (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KB7LrKDfMo). Curb construction is underway at the main intersection.
None of this seems to bother people too reliant on the GPSes; just saw this one fellah make his way past all the construction vehicles & big piles of dirt, past the end of the pavement, and weave thru the barrels to re-enter Falmouth St in the crosswalk. I see this silliness about once per day.

At about 11am today, the main intersection was occupied by a Subaru wagon & Chevy HHR with their front ends all stove up (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=stave), 2 fire engines & a police cruiser. I couldn't tell what movements the vehicles involved may have been making, and am left to speculate on the factors at play.
The outer leg of Deering is blocked off at the junction, leaving us with a 4-way intersection. Falmouth is controlled by stop signs, with traffic on ME25 flowing thru unimpeded. Without the traffic signal slowing things down, my intuition tells me that a lot of traffic is likely exceeding the 30 MPH limit. For motorists entering from Falmouth St, it may be difficult to judge the speed of traffic on ME25. For those waiting at the south leg of Falmouth the traffic they're watching on EB 25 is approaching at an acute angle.
There's a good amount of uncontrolled pavement in the main body of the intersection; when someone slows or stops to make a left onto Falmouth, traffic will frequently pass on the right. Add in the skewed angle that 25 takes thru the intersection, and there's potential for wacky antics. I regularly approach on EB 25 for a left onto Falmouth, and must yield to traffic approaching from the right; it's a bit less than intuitive. No personal experience with the left from WB 25, but it's a similar-but-opposite problem, having to yield to traffic approaching from the left rather than plainly visible dead-ahead.
All of this may be pretty confusing for people not familiar with the area; hopefully the eventual construction of the roundabout should bring some more order to things.

Finally, back to the intersection of Bedford & Deering, which is close to its final configuration. Traffic on WB 25 is on a bit of an uphill grade, and visibility is not the best for those entering or leaving Bedford. Mix in traffic going a bit too fast for the intersection they're approaching, and... this one makes me nervous.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 21, 2021, 06:26:24 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5255987,-70.4489011,3a,37.6y,322.21h,82.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIYGONHqJnrNP10HZM9C8wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Interesting sign at the end of I-195, I know many Canadians go here but how would this sign help them get to Montreal?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on April 21, 2021, 08:29:20 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 21, 2021, 06:26:24 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5255987,-70.4489011,3a,37.6y,322.21h,82.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIYGONHqJnrNP10HZM9C8wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5255987,-70.4489011,3a,37.6y,322.21h,82.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIYGONHqJnrNP10HZM9C8wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

Interesting sign at the end of I-195, I know many Canadians go here but how would this sign help them get to Montreal?
To Quebec: via US 201. To Montreal: via US 302. But only if there are signs at those exits, which I doubt. Meanwhile, the fastest way to Montreal may be south to NH 101. (Google suggests ME 117 to start, which you would start taking before this point...)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: RyanB06 on April 22, 2021, 06:13:19 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 21, 2021, 06:26:24 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5255987,-70.4489011,3a,37.6y,322.21h,82.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIYGONHqJnrNP10HZM9C8wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Interesting sign at the end of I-195, I know many Canadians go here but how would this sign help them get to Montreal?
I-95 to NH-101 to I-93 to I-89. That'd be the way I'd do it.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on April 22, 2021, 11:15:39 PM
I noticed the Maine Turnpike Authority on the Maine Turnpike Approach (Route 703) started lettering their exits at the gore as of 2021/04/09... not sure if it extends past this interchange and/or if the Scarborough Connector (Route 701) also got those lettered exits as well.

Does it matter if those overhead BGS got lettered exit tabs, let alone if this exit scheme (letters only) on this road is MUTCD-legal?

(https://i.ibb.co/KXxgWfZ/Screenshot-2021-04-22-at-23-07-05.png) (https://ibb.co/CzKyQYd)
(https://i.ibb.co/SmbbKPw/Screenshot-2021-04-22-at-23-06-44.png) (https://ibb.co/Ksdd9Xx)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 22, 2021, 11:40:41 PM
Quote from: RyanB06 on April 22, 2021, 06:13:19 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 21, 2021, 06:26:24 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5255987,-70.4489011,3a,37.6y,322.21h,82.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIYGONHqJnrNP10HZM9C8wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Interesting sign at the end of I-195, I know many Canadians go here but how would this sign help them get to Montreal?
I-95 to NH-101 to I-93 to I-89. That'd be the way I'd do it.
That's an easy route, but it does add 20 minutes to the drive time.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: deathtopumpkins on April 23, 2021, 04:07:14 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on April 22, 2021, 11:15:39 PM
I noticed the Maine Turnpike Authority on the Maine Turnpike Approach (Route 703) started lettering their exits at the gore as of 2021/04/09... not sure if it extends past this interchange and/or if the Scarborough Connector (Route 701) also got those lettered exits as well.

Does it matter if those overhead BGS got lettered exit tabs, let alone if this exit scheme (letters only) on this road is MUTCD-legal?

https://i.ibb.co/KXxgWfZ/Screenshot-2021-04-22-at-23-07-05.png (https://ibb.co/CzKyQYd)
https://i.ibb.co/SmbbKPw/Screenshot-2021-04-22-at-23-06-44.png (https://ibb.co/Ksdd9Xx)

Not sure if you're aware, but those exits have had posted letters for a while now. Starting in 2015 or 2016 they were posted on a separate tab underneath the exit sign, rather than in the main body of it, e.g.: https://goo.gl/maps/yg3ttr5jcrzaAqbD7

Prior to that, the ramp letters were indicated by a "RAMP X" sign on the right side of the ramp, opposite the gore sign, e.g.: https://goo.gl/maps/Brm2f4pBEutoFtYx8 Some of these signs remain, including the linked one.

Interesting to see that they are apparently now being treated as 'official' exit 'numbers' though!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Beeper1 on April 23, 2021, 10:34:09 PM
Quote from: Alps on April 21, 2021, 08:29:20 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 21, 2021, 06:26:24 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5255987,-70.4489011,3a,37.6y,322.21h,82.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIYGONHqJnrNP10HZM9C8wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5255987,-70.4489011,3a,37.6y,322.21h,82.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIYGONHqJnrNP10HZM9C8wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

Interesting sign at the end of I-195, I know many Canadians go here but how would this sign help them get to Montreal?
To Quebec: via US 201. To Montreal: via US 302. But only if there are signs at those exits, which I doubt. Meanwhile, the fastest way to Montreal may be south to NH 101. (Google suggests ME 117 to start, which you would start taking before this point...)

There actually is a sign on I-95 NB at the US 201 exit directing traffic towards Quebec.  GSV: https://www.google.com/maps/@44.5824484,-69.6252122,3a,37.5y,61.49h,83.11t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srrqUmQQFfEoG-Oii0seSxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I'm guessing there's a lot more Quebec City-based visitors to OOB then Montreal-based.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on April 24, 2021, 08:06:32 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on April 23, 2021, 04:07:14 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on April 22, 2021, 11:15:39 PM
I noticed the Maine Turnpike Authority on the Maine Turnpike Approach (Route 703) started lettering their exits at the gore as of 2021/04/09... not sure if it extends past this interchange and/or if the Scarborough Connector (Route 701) also got those lettered exits as well.

Does it matter if those overhead BGS got lettered exit tabs, let alone if this exit scheme (letters only) on this road is MUTCD-legal?

https://i.ibb.co/KXxgWfZ/Screenshot-2021-04-22-at-23-07-05.png (https://ibb.co/CzKyQYd)
https://i.ibb.co/SmbbKPw/Screenshot-2021-04-22-at-23-06-44.png (https://ibb.co/Ksdd9Xx)

Not sure if you're aware, but those exits have had posted letters for a while now. Starting in 2015 or 2016 they were posted on a separate tab underneath the exit sign, rather than in the main body of it, e.g.: https://goo.gl/maps/yg3ttr5jcrzaAqbD7

Prior to that, the ramp letters were indicated by a "RAMP X" sign on the right side of the ramp, opposite the gore sign, e.g.: https://goo.gl/maps/Brm2f4pBEutoFtYx8 Some of these signs remain, including the linked one.

Interesting to see that they are apparently now being treated as 'official' exit 'numbers' though!

They have these same lettered exit ramps in Kittery where I-95, US 1, US 1 Bypass, and ME 236 all converge. None have been upgraded to "exit X" like further north.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on April 25, 2021, 02:19:17 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on April 23, 2021, 04:07:14 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on April 22, 2021, 11:15:39 PM
I noticed the Maine Turnpike Authority on the Maine Turnpike Approach (Route 703) started lettering their exits at the gore as of 2021/04/09... not sure if it extends past this interchange and/or if the Scarborough Connector (Route 701) also got those lettered exits as well.

Does it matter if those overhead BGS got lettered exit tabs, let alone if this exit scheme (letters only) on this road is MUTCD-legal?

https://i.ibb.co/KXxgWfZ/Screenshot-2021-04-22-at-23-07-05.png (https://ibb.co/CzKyQYd)
https://i.ibb.co/SmbbKPw/Screenshot-2021-04-22-at-23-06-44.png (https://ibb.co/Ksdd9Xx)

Not sure if you're aware, but those exits have had posted letters for a while now. Starting in 2015 or 2016 they were posted on a separate tab underneath the exit sign, rather than in the main body of it, e.g.: https://goo.gl/maps/yg3ttr5jcrzaAqbD7

Prior to that, the ramp letters were indicated by a "RAMP X" sign on the right side of the ramp, opposite the gore sign, e.g.: https://goo.gl/maps/Brm2f4pBEutoFtYx8 Some of these signs remain, including the linked one.

Interesting to see that they are apparently now being treated as 'official' exit 'numbers' though!

Those Ramp X signs still remain as of Friday, 23 April. I believe the Scarborough Connector also received the same treatment, but I'll have to check when I go up to Orono this Tuesday.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: deathtopumpkins on April 26, 2021, 09:48:50 AM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on April 25, 2021, 02:19:17 PM
Those Ramp X signs still remain as of Friday, 23 April. I believe the Scarborough Connector also received the same treatment, but I'll have to check when I go up to Orono this Tuesday.

Yes, like I said, some of the "RAMP X" signs remain. I used ramp E yesterday, but it's been a little while since I've been on the Scarborough Connector, and I didn't think to check yesterday whether its signs had been changed too. Let us know what you find!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on April 29, 2021, 05:14:43 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on April 26, 2021, 09:48:50 AM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on April 25, 2021, 02:19:17 PM
Those Ramp X signs still remain as of Friday, 23 April. I believe the Scarborough Connector also received the same treatment, but I'll have to check when I go up to Orono this Tuesday.

Yes, like I said, some of the "RAMP X" signs remain. I used ramp E yesterday, but it's been a little while since I've been on the Scarborough Connector, and I didn't think to check yesterday whether its signs had been changed too. Let us know what you find!
The Scarborough Connector exit gore signs still have the EXIT signs with the letter at the bottom. Nothing like the signs on the ME Turnpike Approach. I believe the Scarborough Connector is a MaineDOT-maintained road, but I am not sure if that will receive the new signs. The Connector, however, does have "Ramp X" signs like the ME Turnpike Approach on all on and off ramps.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on May 14, 2021, 04:19:54 PM
Indeed, the division lines between MaineDOT and the MTA (Maine Turnpike Authority) are hard to discern around there.  Must be a joint project, as the new ORT for I-295 had to have involved both.  I'm not sure at what point... the responsibilities switch northbound on I-295 from the tollbooths from MTA to MaineDOT.  Perhaps to the "Maine Turnpike Connector", Maine State Route 703 (but an MTA facility) and on the tenth-mile markers.  All of that Connector is MTA from I-95 over to US 1.
.
The Scarborough Connector, Maine State Route 701 from I-295 to US 1 must be all MaineDOT.  Originally, I-295 was to have merged with the Maine Turnpike Connector and there would have only been the exit 45.  That was a crazy design, and thank goodness I-295 didn't end up doing that!
.
Ideally, MTA would build a "continuation" of I-295 westward to connect in Gorham and the Gorham bypass, looping up the east side of Gorham, west side of Westbrook returning to I-95 at Exit 52 as a "continuation" of the unsigned I-495 Falmouth Spur...  They could build with only ORT systems, and also have a relief route in case the mainline between Exit 45 and Exit 52 is shut down for an accident, etc.  It also would create a "commuter loop" lessening the infernal traffic on Portland/Westbrook/S Portland's bowl of spaghetti street system.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on May 16, 2021, 03:06:01 AM
Quote from: sturmde on May 14, 2021, 04:19:54 PM
Indeed, the division lines between MaineDOT and the MTA (Maine Turnpike Authority) are hard to discern around there.  Must be a joint project, as the new ORT for I-295 had to have involved both.  I'm not sure at what point... the responsibilities switch northbound on I-295 from the tollbooths from MTA to MaineDOT.  Perhaps to the "Maine Turnpike Connector", Maine State Route 703 (but an MTA facility) and on the tenth-mile markers.  All of that Connector is MTA from I-95 over to US 1.
MaineDOT_Public_Roads shapefiles dated 2021-02-10 show the I-295 changeover at the location of the old toll plaza (http://maps.google.com/?q=43.625753,-70.342589), and the route 703 changeover at the I-95 ramp gores. Eastbound, this is just a touch east of the Maine Mall Rd bridge, falling a bit short of the toll plaza, a wee bit into jurisdictn = State hwy territory.

Quote from: sturmde on May 14, 2021, 04:19:54 PM
The Scarborough Connector, Maine State Route 701 from I-295 to US 1 must be all MaineDOT.
Yes.

Quote from: sturmde on May 14, 2021, 04:19:54 PMOriginally, I-295 was to have merged with the Maine Turnpike Connector and there would have only been the exit 45.  That was a crazy design, and thank goodness I-295 didn't end up doing that!
Correct per contemporary newspaper articles. Yeah, that would overloaded the poor old Exit 45 complex, and a bypass would have become necessary at some point. Thank $deity MDOT thought better of that plan and built it proper from the get-go.

Quote from: sturmde on May 14, 2021, 04:19:54 PM
Ideally, MTA would build a "continuation" of I-295 westward to connect in Gorham and the Gorham bypass,
Such an extension of 703 (https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects/Planning-Projects/Gorham-Connector.aspx) is in the works; the wheels are turning, however slowly. Posted some links to news articles upthread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=513.msg2286767#msg2286767). The reconstruction of Exit 45 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=513.msg2482664#msg2482664) is part of that plan.
What has been proposed for the very S end of I-295 are ramps to/from ME114 (see page 118 of this PDF (https://www.gpcog.org/DocumentCenter/View/745/2012-Gorham-East-West-Corridor-Study-PDF)).

The rest of your post isn't as "fictional" as it may sound, either...

Quote from: sturmde on May 14, 2021, 04:19:54 PM
looping up the east side of Gorham, west side of Westbrook
Sounds like you may mean, crossing ME25 at about the town line?
See "Scenarios Considered But Not Evaluated" on page 128 of that same PDF.
Quote
This scenario was not evaluated for three reasons: 1) the scenario would likely not improve eastwest mobility or reduce congestion above Roadway Improvement Scenario I or 2, 2) the scenario
would likely have a greater impact to natural and physical resources than Roadway Improvement
Scenario 1 or 2, and 3) north-south congestion issues documented in the Study Area are being
addressed by the proposed Maine Turnpike widening between Exits 44 and 52 in the future.
These improvements would likely eliminate the need for this scenario.

Or to look at this a different way... The Gorham Bypass was originally supposed to have two components -- the SW leg that opened about a decade ago was just a "Phase 1".
A northern bypass of ME25 was supposed to happen later on, depending on traffic need & funding availability & what-have-you, though it seems to have been quietly forgotten about now.
Quote from: page 129 of the PDF
This roadway scenario, shown in Figure 7-5, was included and approved in the Final
Environmental Assessment for the Gorham Bypass Study, completed in October 2005. This
scenario provided a northerly bypass around the Gorham Village, beginning at the bottom of
Brandywine Hill on Route 25 and extending across to the intersection of Route 25 and 237
(Mosher Corner) in Gorham.
...
This scenario was not evaluated for two reasons: 1) the previously approved northerly bypass
was intended to address the need for additional east-west roadway capacity around Gorham
Village and in South Gorham which is provided in both roadway improvement scenarios, and ...
Makes sense really that this component is receiving less attention these days. If the proposed 703 extension takes a lot of thru traffic off of ME25 thru Gorham village, there's less need for this.
...Back to Mosher Corner though. What else would tie in there?

Quote from: sturmde on May 14, 2021, 04:19:54 PM
returning to I-95 at Exit 52 as a "continuation" of the unsigned I-495 Falmouth Spur...
The Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation Committee (PACTS) 2003 Destination Tomorrow Plan mentioned:
Quote from: page 12 of https://www.gpcog.org/DocumentCenter/View/803/Chapter-4-Alternative-Analysis-PDF
Falmouth Spur extension arterial to Gorham/Moshers Corner, in Falmouth,
Westbrook, Gorham
2006 Destination Tomorrow Plan mentioned:
Quote from: page 14 of https://www.gpcog.org/DocumentCenter/View/841/Chapter-4-Alternatives-Analysis-PDF
Extend Falmouth Spur to Rt 25/Moshers Corner (Falmouth, Westbrook, Gorham)
Not much beyond that though; it doesn't appear the consideration it received was very serious or in-depth?

Quote from: sturmde on May 14, 2021, 04:19:54 PM
It also would create a "commuter loop" lessening the infernal traffic on Portland/Westbrook/S Portland's bowl of spaghetti street system.
These scenarios all together would create just such a commuter loop, if one that doesn't connect too seamlessly at ME25 on the west side of Gorham. Not that the odds of the full thing coming to fruition are all that good.
The 703 extension does look more promising, at least. And that's the big ticket item. I live near the E end of ME25, and would love it if I could hop on 295 and take a limited access road out toward Standish without having to frig around with Brighton, Westbrook or downtown Gorham.

A "Trippy Drive" Maine Edition side note:
The "Westbrook Expressway" was an alternative for I-295 considered before the South Portland route was eventually chosen. (Portland & Westbrook got the scaled-back Westbrook Arterial as a consolation prize, and even that was not all eventually built.) A map in the 1964-05-02 Portland Evening Express showed it bypassing Westbrook to the south, and ending at ME25 in Gorham after an interchange with New Portland Rd. The map isn't clear on where exactly the end is (and I'm too lazy ATM to dig up the accompanying article) but ISTR (Mandela Effect?) that it would be at or at least near -- you guessed it -- Mosher Corner. Imagine if all this crap actually got built. That would be a hell of an intersection. Would put Brighton/Deering/Falmouth to shame...
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on May 17, 2021, 01:21:36 AM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on February 06, 2020, 11:13:15 PM
4. On the major state routes that are non-freeway, like US 202 or SR 4, why are there no mile markers posted like what New Hampshire (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1123074,-71.0391898,3a,16.3y,48.3h,82.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQKDVnMWDo5HdWEcUjcY87A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) and Massachusetts (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7392296,-71.1962251,3a,35.7y,336.64h,85.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8kkVfblDCjZ0gckfVd0KJw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) does on those kinds of roads?

Well, a few days ago, I spotted a few mile (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9727833,-69.9581289,3a,23.8y,177.93h,84.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAVHlZH6j3pGkjfDHAqTaxw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) markers (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9858502,-69.9569492,3a,21.7y,358.49h,83.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srp64SM2SmwmS7OWxzWrq_g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) on US-201 NB coming out of Brunswick, but not sure where they stopped only for the first 8 miles (12.8 km) before they disappered completely after that part. According to GSV, it looks like these were recently installed since 2013 GSV and beyond show the markers in place.

I don't know what other non-freeways (and limited-access segments as well) have mile markers in Maine, so it appears that it depends on the highway (though I have not seen them on other major, non-freeway/limited-access routes as well).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on May 17, 2021, 12:06:29 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on May 17, 2021, 01:21:36 AM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on February 06, 2020, 11:13:15 PM
4. On the major state routes that are non-freeway, like US 202 or SR 4, why are there no mile markers posted like what New Hampshire (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1123074,-71.0391898,3a,16.3y,48.3h,82.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQKDVnMWDo5HdWEcUjcY87A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) and Massachusetts (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7392296,-71.1962251,3a,35.7y,336.64h,85.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8kkVfblDCjZ0gckfVd0KJw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) does on those kinds of roads?

Well, a few days ago, I spotted a few mile (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9727833,-69.9581289,3a,23.8y,177.93h,84.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAVHlZH6j3pGkjfDHAqTaxw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) markers (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9858502,-69.9569492,3a,21.7y,358.49h,83.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srp64SM2SmwmS7OWxzWrq_g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) on US-201 NB coming out of Brunswick, but not sure where they stopped only for the first 8 miles (12.8 km) before they disappered completely after that part. According to GSV, it looks like these were recently installed since 2013 GSV and beyond show the markers in place.

I don't know what other non-freeways (and limited-access segments as well) have mile markers in Maine, so it appears that it depends on the highway (though I have not seen them on other major, non-freeway/limited-access routes as well).

Those mile markers on US 201 were installed during the year and a half when I-295 southbound was closed and US 201 was the alternate route.  Both northbound and southbound lanes were totally rebuilt from just north of the ME 196 exit up to US 201/Gardiner.  It was done by putting northbound traffic on the southbound lanes, which gave a definite European feel that year.  Since southbound traffic had the I-95 MTA option at Gardiner, it made sense to shut down southbound.  Traffic travelling northbound from Yarmouth, Freeport, Brunswick, etc., didn't have that option so northbound remained switched over.  There was a temporary on-ramp from US 201 that can still be seen in Google Earth just north of the ME 196 Topsham exit.
.
After the I-295 rebuild project, the US 201 mile markers remained.  The only other non-Interstate Maine road I know with mile markers is ME 9 from Brewer to Woodland/Calais.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on June 02, 2021, 12:38:51 PM
Question regarding the old Maine Turnpike sequential exit (http://bangorinfo.com/Special/new_maine_exits.html) numbers (https://www.maine.gov/mdot/pdf/redesignation_brochure.pdf) before the mile based exit numbers in 2004. Was Exit 1 on the Maine Turnpike:

- the York Toll Plaza, similar how the Allston-Brighton toll plaza on the Mass. Pike was exit 19 before the exit renumbering project (https://www.ctps.org/pub/Express_Highway_Count_Locations/24_I_90_Turnpike.pdf)?
- the SB exit for York (current exit 7, old exit 4) on the Maine Turnpike?
- non-existent in the first place?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on June 02, 2021, 01:16:44 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on June 02, 2021, 12:38:51 PM
Question regarding the old Maine Turnpike sequential exit (http://bangorinfo.com/Special/new_maine_exits.html) numbers (https://www.maine.gov/mdot/pdf/redesignation_brochure.pdf) before the mile based exit numbers in 2004. Was Exit 1 on the Maine Turnpike:

- the York Toll Plaza, similar how the Allston-Brighton toll plaza on the Mass. Pike was exit 19 before the exit renumbering project (https://www.ctps.org/pub/Express_Highway_Count_Locations/24_I_90_Turnpike.pdf)?
- the SB exit for York (current exit 7, old exit 4) on the Maine Turnpike?
- non-existent in the first place?

http://bangorinfo.com/Special/new_maine_exits.html

It went 1, 2, 3, 4 (at York, now exit 7), then re-started at exit 2 (now exit 19).

So there was technically no exit 1 on the Maine Tpke, just an exit 1 on I-95 after coming in from NH.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
Prior to the redesignation and renumbering of exits in c 2004, I-95's exit numbers didn't make much sense at all.  1-4, then resetting at 2.  And then when I-95 left the turnpike at Exit 9, the next I-95 exit was 15.  Over the years I've solved the "southern end" mystery, but still a little vague on the central exit jump. 

Originally, the Maine Turnpike was built from basically the Kittery traffic circle, on to its existing route.  Search around on Google Maps north of the circle, the direct ramp from US 1 North to I-95 North, you'll notice an overpass for US 1 South overhead is wide enough for 2 carriageways.  Additional searching on old TOPO maps of the area has revealed there was a toll plaza in Kittery, somewhere north of today's Exit 3.  After the toll plaza, the next exit would have been Exit 2 (today's Exit 19) in Wells.  So that would've made Exit 1 be assigned to the toll plaza. 

Once the high bridge was built (today's I-95) over the Piscataqua River, this introduced I-95 Exits 1,2,3.  Most likely it was about this time that the former Exit 1/now Exit 7 was built and the toll plaza built just to the north.  Maps through the 70s into the early 'naughts identified this exit as Exit 1, even though it was signed on I-95 as Exit 4.  Also, the mile markers were different.  Maine Tpke MM 0 I believe was at the York toll plaza.  It is possible that Maine Tpke "transferred" the portion from Kittery to Exit 4/7 to MaineDOT in order to allow free travel up to York.  Also at the time, you didn't see any "Welcome to the Maine Turnpike" signage until you were at or past the toll plaza.  Up until the mid 90s, you got a ticket at York and headed on north, while surrendering your ticket SB. 

THe exit jump from 9 to 15 I'm not sure about, in Portland-North on the Falmouth Spur.  One solution is that you had I-95 Exits 1,2,3,4 then Turnpike Exits 2,3,4,5,6,6A,7,8,9.  If you made them all sequential, you'd have Exits 1-13.  That would've kept an exit # in reserve (for one of the unbuilt-at-the-time Portland exits) or for another ramp.  Then 15 was the next number, used for the US 1 ramps at the east end of the Falmouth Spur.  Really old turnpike maps actually show the US 1 exit at the end of the Falmouth Spur as Exit 9, meaning the spur's exit off the mainline was unnumbered. 

At the north end, I remember the exits going from 28 to 15 to 31, with 15 being the first Augusta exit heading north.  If you were coming north from "free I-95", you encountered the toll plaza just past then-Exit 28 (the one that is being upgraded with express EZ-Pass lanes), got a ticket, then entered the turnpike and encountered another toll plaza just south of then-Exit 15/now-Exit 109.  Here, you surrendered your ticket and entered "free I-95".  Later, Exit 15 became I-95 Exit 30, the Augusta toll plaza was removed, and fixed rate barriers replaced the ticket system. 

The "great redesignation", it made things a heck of a lot simpler for everyone.  I-95's rerouting on the Maine Turnpike kept a single solitary exit sequence, from 1 in the south to 305 in the north.  I recall at the time something about I-95's lost mileage being added to the system... this would've been the 7 miles between the high bridge and the York tolls.  And in even more recent times (the past couple years), the Maine Turnpike signage has been extended right to the Piscataqua bridge, where you now see small "BEGIN/END MAINE TURNPIKE trailblazers.  I applaud Maine for not going with the early-on routing of I-495 on the Falmouth Spur and what was free I-95.  Having I-495 being a "secret" designation for the Falmouth Spur leads to the least confusion for motorists.  "Free I-95" is a natural extension of I-295 up from Portland, and it made sense to just extend that route right up to Gardiner. 

Boy, I wish I had the luxury of digital cameras back in the 80s/90s during some of my trips to Maine, as it would've been helpful and informative now. 

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on June 02, 2021, 08:05:32 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
Prior to the redesignation and renumbering of exits in c 2004, I-95's exit numbers didn't make much sense at all.  1-4, then resetting at 2.  And then when I-95 left the turnpike at Exit 9, the next I-95 exit was 15.  Over the years I've solved the "southern end" mystery, but still a little vague on the central exit jump. 

Originally, the Maine Turnpike was built from basically the Kittery traffic circle, on to its existing route.  Search around on Google Maps north of the circle, the direct ramp from US 1 North to I-95 North, you'll notice an overpass for US 1 South overhead is wide enough for 2 carriageways.  Additional searching on old TOPO maps of the area has revealed there was a toll plaza in Kittery, somewhere north of today's Exit 3.  After the toll plaza, the next exit would have been Exit 2 (today's Exit 19) in Wells.  So that would've made Exit 1 be assigned to the toll plaza. 

Once the high bridge was built (today's I-95) over the Piscataqua River, this introduced I-95 Exits 1,2,3.  Most likely it was about this time that the former Exit 1/now Exit 7 was built and the toll plaza built just to the north.  Maps through the 70s into the early 'naughts identified this exit as Exit 1, even though it was signed on I-95 as Exit 4.  Also, the mile markers were different.  Maine Tpke MM 0 I believe was at the York toll plaza.  It is possible that Maine Tpke "transferred" the portion from Kittery to Exit 4/7 to MaineDOT in order to allow free travel up to York.  Also at the time, you didn't see any "Welcome to the Maine Turnpike" signage until you were at or past the toll plaza.  Up until the mid 90s, you got a ticket at York and headed on north, while surrendering your ticket SB. 

THe exit jump from 9 to 15 I'm not sure about, in Portland-North on the Falmouth Spur.  One solution is that you had I-95 Exits 1,2,3,4 then Turnpike Exits 2,3,4,5,6,6A,7,8,9.  If you made them all sequential, you'd have Exits 1-13.  That would've kept an exit # in reserve (for one of the unbuilt-at-the-time Portland exits) or for another ramp.  Then 15 was the next number, used for the US 1 ramps at the east end of the Falmouth Spur.  Really old turnpike maps actually show the US 1 exit at the end of the Falmouth Spur as Exit 9, meaning the spur's exit off the mainline was unnumbered. 

At the north end, I remember the exits going from 28 to 15 to 31, with 15 being the first Augusta exit heading north.  If you were coming north from "free I-95", you encountered the toll plaza just past then-Exit 28 (the one that is being upgraded with express EZ-Pass lanes), got a ticket, then entered the turnpike and encountered another toll plaza just south of then-Exit 15/now-Exit 109.  Here, you surrendered your ticket and entered "free I-95".  Later, Exit 15 became I-95 Exit 30, the Augusta toll plaza was removed, and fixed rate barriers replaced the ticket system. 

The "great redesignation", it made things a heck of a lot simpler for everyone.  I-95's rerouting on the Maine Turnpike kept a single solitary exit sequence, from 1 in the south to 305 in the north.  I recall at the time something about I-95's lost mileage being added to the system... this would've been the 7 miles between the high bridge and the York tolls.  And in even more recent times (the past couple years), the Maine Turnpike signage has been extended right to the Piscataqua bridge, where you now see small "BEGIN/END MAINE TURNPIKE trailblazers.  I applaud Maine for not going with the early-on routing of I-495 on the Falmouth Spur and what was free I-95.  Having I-495 being a "secret" designation for the Falmouth Spur leads to the least confusion for motorists.  "Free I-95" is a natural extension of I-295 up from Portland, and it made sense to just extend that route right up to Gardiner. 

Boy, I wish I had the luxury of digital cameras back in the 80s/90s during some of my trips to Maine, as it would've been helpful and informative now.

Excellent summary  :clap:
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 10:38:52 PM
https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/topoexplorer/index.html

This site is excellent for viewing old USGS quad maps.  Just type in Kittery, ME and then click on the area of today's Exit 3 on I-95, then choose 1955.  What is listed as "Interchange 1" is the present site of where the ramp to I-95 North leaves US 1 North just north of the Kittery circle.  The US 1 South overpass which curves after passing over the ramp from US 1 Byp North to I-95 North is the other ramp shown, as is the present loop ramp from US 1 South to I-95 North just after the outlets (this ramp is most likely the original ramp, as it empties into the ramp from US 1 Bypass North to I-95 North, to meet up with I-95 later.  "Tollgate" is shown just north of where the ramps meet to begin the Maine Turnpike.  There's an old postcard I've seen on EBAY with "MAINE TURNPIKE" lettering on the overpass.  Its most likely that spot. 

This is the area I'm talking about.
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1070992,-70.7411452,17.43z

And this is most likely the location of the MAINE TURNPIKE lettering... the original northbound carriageway is abandoned.
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1076854,-70.7412634,3a,47.8y,25.15h,87.22t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sk37Wjzisyd2KmEE_qozMrg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on June 04, 2021, 12:51:39 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
Prior to the redesignation and renumbering of exits in c 2004, I-95's exit numbers didn't make much sense at all.  1-4, then resetting at 2.  And then when I-95 left the turnpike at Exit 9, the next I-95 exit was 15.  Over the years I've solved the "southern end" mystery, but still a little vague on the central exit jump. 
There were I-95 exit numbers, and then there were turnpike exit numbers. The I-95 numbers made sense as long as you ignore the stretch of turnpike numbers in the middle...

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
Once the high bridge was built (today's I-95) over the Piscataqua River, this introduced I-95 Exits 1,2,3.  Most likely it was about this time that the former Exit 1/now Exit 7 was built and the toll plaza built just to the north.
1973 (https://historicaerials.com/location/43.156514/-70.665607/T1973/14) and 1974 (https://historicaerials.com/location/43.156514/-70.665607/T1974/14) topos bear this out. Scroll SW and you'll also see the the Piscataqua River Bridge was new in 1974.

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
Maps through the 70s into the early 'naughts identified this exit as Exit 1, even though it was signed on I-95 as Exit 4.
Contemporary MDOT maps don't show exit numbers at all. :( Be cooler if they did.
I do see this on the 1994 topo (https://historicaerials.com/location/43.156514/-70.665607/T1994/14), though USGS can't necessarily be trusted with exit numbers -- see Scarborough thru Falmouth Spur.

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
It is possible that Maine Tpke "transferred" the portion from Kittery to Exit 4/7 to MaineDOT in order to allow free travel up to York.
I doubt this; MTA wouldn't need a jurisdiction change to allow free travel on part of their road if they wanted. For example, travel is free between Auburn & Sabattus today.
In contrast, MTA recently bought out the stretch from the Piscataqua River Bridge to the Spruce Creek bridge at mile 2.2 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=513.msg2476682#msg2476682). Makes sense to have the agency that makes a load of revenue from I-95 be in charge of maintaining I-95 in good shape here. Shapefiles suggest this happened between 2014 & 2016, consistent with this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1164403,-70.732474,3a,15.3y,257.04h,89.33t/data=!3m10!1e1!3m8!1sZKmdp_V3YvZKzxG3uoSNSw!2e0!5s20111001T000000!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i40) disappearing between 2011 & 2018.

Up at the north end, when Exit 113 opened in 2004, 4 more miles from Exit 109 were designated as a Turnpike extension, to allow heavy trucks to bypass weight limits on free Interstates. (Bostonroads.com has a good summary. (http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/me-turnpike/)).
Shapefiles still show this as State hwy rather than Toll hwy jurisdiction, however.

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
THe exit jump from 9 to 15 I'm not sure about, in Portland-North on the Falmouth Spur.  One solution is that you had I-95 Exits 1,2,3,4 then Turnpike Exits 2,3,4,5,6,6A,7,8,9.  If you made them all sequential, you'd have Exits 1-13.  That would've kept an exit # in reserve (for one of the unbuilt-at-the-time Portland exits) or for another ramp.
This.
Exit 12 would have been for the Westbrook Arterial, a scaled-back consolation prize from when the Westbrook Expressway, an early alternative for I-295, was dropped in the mid-60s in favor of the South Portland route. It was planned to extend eastward through the Fore River estuary, to connect to I-295 Exit 5A (https://travelmapping.net/hb/showroute.php?r=me.i295&lat=43.653263&lon=-70.287605&zoom=17), hence the weird ramp layout there. This stalled (in the 70s?) due to environmental concerns and was eventually cancelled; the extra exit 5 ramps sat unused until the Fore River Parkway was conceived in the aughts.
For many years the part of the Arterial that did get built extended only as far as Larrabee Road. My friends and I used to have a wicked guwud time slaloming through "the S-curves" (https://historicaerials.com/location/43.671919/-70.338292/2001/17) when commuting between the University of Southern Maine's Gorham & Portland campuses. Gotta wonder if that layout was to allow for construction of a planned interchange dead ahead, similar to NS107's W end (https://travelmapping.net/hb/showroute.php?r=ns.ns107&lat=44.72370133664367&lon=-63.581421375274665&zoom=15).
Eventually, 2002-2003ish, it was extended across the Turnpike and Exit 7B (now 47) opened.

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
Then 15 was the next number, used for the US 1 ramps at the east end of the Falmouth Spur.  Really old turnpike maps actually show the US 1 exit at the end of the Falmouth Spur as Exit 9, meaning the spur's exit off the mainline was unnumbered. 
I wouldn't reach the same conclusion here. Maybe they were taking their clues from USGS & similar, which as noted had some wires crossed (https://historicaerials.com/location/43.724545/-70.302544/T1988/15). This doesn't smell right.

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
At the north end, I remember the exits going from 28 to 15 to 31, with 15 being the first Augusta exit heading north.  If you were coming north from "free I-95", you encountered the toll plaza just past then-Exit 28 (the one that is being upgraded with express EZ-Pass lanes), got a ticket, then entered the turnpike and encountered another toll plaza
This one (https://historicaerials.com/location/44.303762/-69.807740/1991/17) replaced this one (https://historicaerials.com/location/44.314796/-69.808508/1956/18).

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
just south of then-Exit 15/now-Exit 109.  Here, you surrendered your ticket and entered "free I-95".  Later, Exit 15 became I-95 Exit 30, the Augusta toll plaza was removed, and fixed rate barriers replaced the ticket system. 
Southbound, pass Exit 30, take Exit 14B to Free I-95, then pass Exit 28.

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
And in even more recent times (the past couple years), the Maine Turnpike signage has been extended right to the Piscataqua bridge, where you now see small "BEGIN/END MAINE TURNPIKE trailblazers.
Blink, blink... did I even read your post? :coffee:

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
I applaud Maine for not going with the early-on routing of I-495 on the Falmouth Spur and what was free I-95.
Wait, what? Was that actually proposed at some point? That makes little sense in terms of continuity & simplification.
ISTR that MDOT's first AASHTO application involved the Falmouth Spur becoming unnumbered. Then it was amended to include the I-495 designation.

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
Having I-495 being a "secret" designation for the Falmouth Spur leads to the least confusion for motorists.  "Free I-95" is a natural extension of I-295 up from Portland, and it made sense to just extend that route right up to Gardiner. 
Agreed.

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
Boy, I wish I had the luxury of digital cameras back in the 80s/90s during some of my trips to Maine, as it would've been helpful and informative now.
Oh yuht.
https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-295-me/ has a couple photos of Exit 15.
I regret never capturing Maine's last button copy sign which lingered until the 2010s on the Exit 103 offramp...

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
Originally, the Maine Turnpike was built from basically the Kittery traffic circle, on to its existing route.  Search around on Google Maps north of the circle, the direct ramp from US 1 North to I-95 North, you'll notice an overpass for US 1 South overhead is wide enough for 2 carriageways.  Additional searching on old TOPO maps of the area has revealed there was a toll plaza in Kittery, somewhere north of today's Exit 3.  After the toll plaza, the next exit would have been Exit 2 (today's Exit 19) in Wells.  So that would've made Exit 1 be assigned to the toll plaza. 
Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 10:38:52 PM
https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/topoexplorer/index.html

This site is excellent for viewing old USGS quad maps.  Just type in Kittery, ME and then click on the area of today's Exit 3 on I-95, then choose 1955.  What is listed as "Interchange 1" is the present site of where the ramp to I-95 North leaves US 1 North just north of the Kittery circle.  The US 1 South overpass which curves after passing over the ramp from US 1 Byp North to I-95 North is the other ramp shown, as is the present loop ramp from US 1 South to I-95 North just after the outlets (this ramp is most likely the original ramp, as it empties into the ramp from US 1 Bypass North to I-95 North, to meet up with I-95 later.  "Tollgate" is shown just north of where the ramps meet to begin the Maine Turnpike.
https://historicaerials.com/location/43.110175/-70.739830/1962/17

Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 10:38:52 PM
There's an old postcard I've seen on EBAY with "MAINE TURNPIKE" lettering on the overpass.  Its most likely that spot. 
This one?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bostonroads.com%2Froads%2Fme-turnpike%2Fimg17.gif&hash=7a656cb3ecd0b1e55471e985d7b24a69547c1a4d)
http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/me-turnpike/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Beeper1 on June 04, 2021, 11:42:50 PM
Quote from: yakra on June 04, 2021, 12:51:39 AM


Quote from: shadyjay on June 02, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
It is possible that Maine Tpke "transferred" the portion from Kittery to Exit 4/7 to MaineDOT in order to allow free travel up to York.
I doubt this; MTA wouldn't need a jurisdiction change to allow free travel on part of their road if they wanted. For example, travel is free between Auburn & Sabattus today.
In contrast, MTA recently bought out the stretch from the Piscataqua River Bridge to the Spruce Creek bridge at mile 2.2 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=513.msg2476682#msg2476682). Makes sense to have the agency that makes a load of revenue from I-95 be in charge of maintaining I-95 in good shape here. Shapefiles suggest this happened between 2014 & 2016, consistent with this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1164403,-70.732474,3a,15.3y,257.04h,89.33t/data=!3m10!1e1!3m8!1sZKmdp_V3YvZKzxG3uoSNSw!2e0!5s20111001T000000!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i40) disappearing between 2011 & 2018.

Up at the north end, when Exit 113 opened in 2004, 4 more miles from Exit 109 were designated as a Turnpike extension, to allow heavy trucks to bypass weight limits on free Interstates. (Bostonroads.com has a good summary. (http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/me-turnpike/)).
Shapefiles still show this as State hwy rather than Toll hwy jurisdiction, however.



The section from Kittery to York became toll free as a result of the widening of that stretch from 4 to 6 lanes in the late 1970s (or possible early 80s).  This was the first attempt at widening the pike and went to around milepost 10 or so.  The MTA accepted special federal money to pay for most of it and as a condition of taking that money, most of the section worked on had to be made toll-free.  This is why the toll plaza was moved north to York after exit 7 was built. (I think the York interchange was built as part of this widening project.)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on June 05, 2021, 12:59:41 AM
Quote from: yakra on June 04, 2021, 12:51:39 AM
In contrast, MTA recently bought out the stretch from the Piscataqua River Bridge to the Spruce Creek bridge at mile 2.2 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=513.msg2476682#msg2476682). Makes sense to have the agency that makes a load of revenue from I-95 be in charge of maintaining I-95 in good shape here. Shapefiles suggest this happened between 2014 & 2016, consistent with this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1164403,-70.732474,3a,15.3y,257.04h,89.33t/data=!3m10!1e1!3m8!1sZKmdp_V3YvZKzxG3uoSNSw!2e0!5s20111001T000000!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i40) disappearing between 2011 & 2018.

Quote from: fwydriver405 on February 06, 2020, 11:13:15 PM
*A source from the Maine Turnpike Authority told me that they bought out the stretch from where the Piscataqua River Bridge touches down on land on the Maine side NH line to MM 2.2, so that implies that the Maine Turnpike Authority now has ownership from the NH line to ex. 109 in Augusta.

I should make a correction here that the Maine Turnpike only bought out the stretch between where the Piscataqua River Bridge touches down on land on the Maine side to mile marker 2.2, not to the New Hampshire line like I originally said. The Piscataqua River Bridge itself, as far as I know AND according to MEDOT shapefiles, is still maintained by MaineDOT, not the Maine Turnpike Authority.

Apologise for the confusion and I have since updated my original post to reflect that.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on August 09, 2021, 05:24:45 PM
So does anyone know the purpose of these, https://goo.gl/maps/rXgaK6P9GSWyVHhq5

On York on US 1. Put in between 2011 and 2015. Now, updated since this GSV in 2019, there are three cameras on each pole. FWIW, they're on US 1 at the relatively same point that the toll barrier on I-95 is. I know they're not speed cameras because those are illegal in Maine. There is no signage approaching from either direction, and nothing really on the posts that gives away their purpose.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: ClassicHasClass on August 09, 2021, 05:40:34 PM
Traffic monitoring?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on August 09, 2021, 07:12:01 PM
Saw those yesterday.  Potentially some sort of traffic counter (to replace the one across the road), or a traffic camera (for traffic monitoring?)

On another note, got some shots of the lettered exits on ME 703...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51365283822_b4d55efb94_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mfYvkL)703EB-01 (https://flic.kr/p/2mfYvkL) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51366263743_f98c63bc81_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mg4wCX)DSC03343 (https://flic.kr/p/2mg4wCX) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr

And can someone tell me why the Cummings Bridge has space for 3 carriageways beneath the new bridge?  Will one of them be the new Exit 45 southbound onramp?  I'm still confused as to the construction at Exit 44 northbound... I thought they were adding a lane or two so that the present 3 lanes (2 thru, 1 exit) would become all thru and the new lane on the right would be for I-295 traffic exiting.  The construction activity there doesn't seem to really support that, unless I'm mistaken.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on August 10, 2021, 12:36:17 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on August 09, 2021, 07:12:01 PM
And can someone tell me why the Cummings Bridge has space for 3 carriageways beneath the new bridge?  Will one of them be the new Exit 45 southbound onramp?
Yes.
https://www.maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike2012/files/a1/a16deb97-6f69-4710-a33d-54254493a614.jpg
https://www.maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike2012/files/9a/9aed8f7c-fda5-49eb-8fb2-9e904bdfc9d6_750_421.jpg

Quote from: shadyjay on August 09, 2021, 07:12:01 PM
I'm still confused as to the construction at Exit 44 northbound... I thought they were adding a lane or two so that the present 3 lanes (2 thru, 1 exit) would become all thru and the new lane on the right would be for I-295 traffic exiting.  The construction activity there doesn't seem to really support that, unless I'm mistaken.
Went thru as a passenger a week or 2 ago; didn't take note of what I saw. How's it look down there?




Elsewhere on maineturnpike.com:
Quote from: https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects/Planning-Projects/Exit-36-Interchange-Area-Saco-Route-112.aspx

Click image for full view of project area

Background
In July 2019, a transportation study for the Saco Route 112/Exit 36 Area was released. The study was a joint initiative between the City of Saco, Maine Turnpike and the MaineDOT that produced a series of recommendations to address regional transportation issues by improving connections to and from the Turnpike. With much input from stakeholders and the public, the report analyzed several versions of modifying the Exit 36 Interchange area to have a direct connection with Route 112, which is proposed as an additional interchange (Exit 35), both north- and southbound.

Current Status
The project is currently in development with construction slated to begin in 2022-2023 with completion in 2025, subject to available funding.

Preliminary Design Report - January 2021
Neato. Bringing the ME112 interchange, the original Exit 5, back from the dead. The design reuses the original NB ramps, with the toll plaza at just about exactly the same location. SB, new diamond ramps will be constructed west of I-95 rather than attempt to salvage what's left of the old trumpet connection.
Quote from: https://www.maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike2012/media/PDFs/Saco_Final-Report_FINAL_7-22-19.pdf
Access to the Turnpike is to be provided at Lund Road (with signals) and
at a new signalized intersection west of the Turnpike. The new interchange will
be linked to the existing Exit 36 interchange using collector-distributor roads to
eliminate the risks associated with weave movements.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on August 10, 2021, 06:52:54 PM
Quote from: yakra on August 10, 2021, 12:36:17 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on August 09, 2021, 07:12:01 PM
And can someone tell me why the Cummings Bridge has space for 3 carriageways beneath the new bridge?  Will one of them be the new Exit 45 southbound onramp?
Yes.
https://www.maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike2012/files/a1/a16deb97-6f69-4710-a33d-54254493a614.jpg
https://www.maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike2012/files/9a/9aed8f7c-fda5-49eb-8fb2-9e904bdfc9d6_750_421.jpg
Ok... that makes sense.  Guess I just didn't look at that plan pic close enough to notice the SB entrance ramp passes beneath the bridge before joining the mainline.


Quote from: yakra on August 10, 2021, 12:36:17 AM
Went thru as a passenger a week or 2 ago; didn't take note of what I saw. How's it look down there?
The construction NB just before Exit 44 just doesn't seem like it'll support 4 lanes.  There just doesn't seem to be enough excavation to the right... it's more median work right now.  Maybe the rest will come later.



Further south, work is substantially complete on the new York Toll Plaza.  They're waiting until after Labor Day to flip the switch.  It looks pretty good and should be a substantial improvement over the present facility, once its torn down.  Also got an ever-so-brief look at the new Gardiner toll plaza at the north end of I-295.  They're making good progress there as well.

This trip, only travelled over the Piscataqua River Bridge on I-95 once... like the last trip a few weeks ago, I'm beginning to see the advantages of taking the US 1 Bypass.  One of these days, it will probably get me into trouble (with the bridge being up), but until then, it's a nice alternative.

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on August 14, 2021, 12:21:09 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on August 10, 2021, 06:52:54 PM
Quote from: yakra on August 10, 2021, 12:36:17 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on August 09, 2021, 07:12:01 PM
And can someone tell me why the Cummings Bridge has space for 3 carriageways beneath the new bridge?  Will one of them be the new Exit 45 southbound onramp?
Yes.
https://www.maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike2012/files/a1/a16deb97-6f69-4710-a33d-54254493a614.jpg
https://www.maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike2012/files/9a/9aed8f7c-fda5-49eb-8fb2-9e904bdfc9d6_750_421.jpg
Ok... that makes sense.  Guess I just didn't look at that plan pic close enough to notice the SB entrance ramp passes beneath the bridge before joining the mainline.


Quote from: yakra on August 10, 2021, 12:36:17 AM
Went thru as a passenger a week or 2 ago; didn't take note of what I saw. How's it look down there?
The construction NB just before Exit 44 just doesn't seem like it'll support 4 lanes.  There just doesn't seem to be enough excavation to the right... it's more median work right now.  Maybe the rest will come later.



Further south, work is substantially complete on the new York Toll Plaza.  They're waiting until after Labor Day to flip the switch.  It looks pretty good and should be a substantial improvement over the present facility, once its torn down.  Also got an ever-so-brief look at the new Gardiner toll plaza at the north end of I-295.  They're making good progress there as well.

This trip, only travelled over the Piscataqua River Bridge on I-95 once... like the last trip a few weeks ago, I'm beginning to see the advantages of taking the US 1 Bypass.  One of these days, it will probably get me into trouble (with the bridge being up), but until then, it's a nice alternative.

Here's a video driving thru the area on my way to South Portland thru the widening area on 2021/08/10 (NB) & 11 (SB).

https://youtu.be/0EhfR_g3y_Q
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on August 22, 2021, 11:36:55 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on August 09, 2021, 05:24:45 PM
So does anyone know the purpose of these, https://goo.gl/maps/rXgaK6P9GSWyVHhq5

On York on US 1. Put in between 2011 and 2015. Now, updated since this GSV in 2019, there are three cameras on each pole. FWIW, they're on US 1 at the relatively same point that the toll barrier on I-95 is. I know they're not speed cameras because those are illegal in Maine. There is no signage approaching from either direction, and nothing really on the posts that gives away their purpose.

I was going to ask the same question about these ones (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1453903,-70.7896787,3a,75y,318.11h,79.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sv06lpn5Vb-dBLvDkzWuXxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) on ME Route 236... according to MaineDOT Map Viewer data, the ones on US Route 1 and ME Route 236 are traffic counting devices for MaineDOT.

(https://i.ibb.co/1f78Qfk/Screenshot-2021-08-22-at-23-30-24.png) (https://ibb.co/JRm5tR9)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on September 14, 2021, 11:36:38 PM
https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-turnpike-york-high-speed-toll-plaza-open-wednesday/37579433
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on September 17, 2021, 08:54:13 PM
Quote from: yakra on September 14, 2021, 11:36:38 PM
https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-turnpike-york-high-speed-toll-plaza-open-wednesday/37579433

And with the opening, they've moved the traffic cams from the old plaza location to the new plaza location on the web site: 
https://www.maineturnpike.com/Traveler-Services/Traffic-Cams.aspx
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Stephane Dumas on November 27, 2021, 05:52:29 PM
There was lots and lots of talk about I-395 extension to ME-9 and OSM showed this extension.
https://satellites.pro/plan/USA_map#O44.795876,-68.694077,14

Looks like that old project would finally see the light of the day. https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/I395rt9connector/

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Roadsguy on November 27, 2021, 08:22:36 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on November 27, 2021, 05:52:29 PM
There was lots and lots of talk about I-395 extension to ME-9 and OSM showed this extension.
https://satellites.pro/plan/USA_map#O44.795876,-68.694077,14

Looks like that old project would finally see the light of the day. https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/I395rt9connector/

Has MaineDOT ever mentioned what the connector will be designated, if anything at all? Ideally it'd be an extension of I-395, but that can't happen since it'll only be a super-2. Will ME 9 be rerouted onto it, or will they pull a NYSDOT and sign it as ME 395?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on November 28, 2021, 08:38:58 AM
Quote from: Roadsguy on November 27, 2021, 08:22:36 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on November 27, 2021, 05:52:29 PM
There was lots and lots of talk about I-395 extension to ME-9 and OSM showed this extension.
https://satellites.pro/plan/USA_map#O44.795876,-68.694077,14

Looks like that old project would finally see the light of the day. https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/I395rt9connector/

Has MaineDOT ever mentioned what the connector will be designated, if anything at all? Ideally it'd be an extension of I-395, but that can't happen since it'll only be a super-2. Will ME 9 be rerouted onto it, or will they pull a NYSDOT and sign it as ME 395?

If I had to hazard a guess, they move 9 onto 395, and have 9 follow the newly built route. Old 9 is deleted, leaving most of it as whatever it was already concurrent with. There would be a tiny unnumbered stretch east of 178, but it can probably survive without a number. It would also be consistent with 15 having been moved onto 95 and 395 to bypass the city as well.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Stephane Dumas on November 28, 2021, 09:34:49 AM
Quote from: SectorZ on November 28, 2021, 08:38:58 AM
Quote from: Roadsguy on November 27, 2021, 08:22:36 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on November 27, 2021, 05:52:29 PM
There was lots and lots of talk about I-395 extension to ME-9 and OSM showed this extension.
https://satellites.pro/plan/USA_map#O44.795876,-68.694077,14

Looks like that old project would finally see the light of the day. https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/I395rt9connector/

Has MaineDOT ever mentioned what the connector will be designated, if anything at all? Ideally it'd be an extension of I-395, but that can't happen since it'll only be a super-2. Will ME 9 be rerouted onto it, or will they pull a NYSDOT and sign it as ME 395?

If I had to hazard a guess, they move 9 onto 395, and have 9 follow the newly built route. Old 9 is deleted, leaving most of it as whatever it was already concurrent with. There would be a tiny unnumbered stretch east of 178, but it can probably survive without a number. It would also be consistent with 15 having been moved onto 95 and 395 to bypass the city as well.

I think SectorZ might have a point by rerouting ME-9 althought they could call it I-395 despite being a super-2. I-95 north of Bangor to Houlton was once a super-2 until the late 1970s.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on November 28, 2021, 02:57:09 PM
Quote from: Roadsguy on November 27, 2021, 08:22:36 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on November 27, 2021, 05:52:29 PM
There was lots and lots of talk about I-395 extension to ME-9 and OSM showed this extension.
https://satellites.pro/plan/USA_map#O44.795876,-68.694077,14

Looks like that old project would finally see the light of the day. https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/I395rt9connector/

Has MaineDOT ever mentioned what the connector will be designated, if anything at all? Ideally it'd be an extension of I-395, but that can't happen since it'll only be a super-2. Will ME 9 be rerouted onto it, or will they pull a NYSDOT and sign it as ME 395?
9C?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on December 02, 2021, 10:25:28 AM
ME9 will be relocated onto the connector, with old 9 becoming ME9Bus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPI2rlTOSFY&t=98s
Title: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on December 03, 2021, 10:35:43 PM
Bangor-Brewer Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain Toll Bridge toll schedule, date unknown. Currently behind the bar at The Blue Ox, Millinocket. About four feet tall.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211204/b0e9eae23516b914d6f17c532609fde4.jpg)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on December 18, 2021, 09:56:14 PM
Rookin' Good!
Is that LeHay?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: MoMaRoadDweeb on December 28, 2021, 11:37:59 PM
First time poster. Was messing around with a crazy spur pitch from I-95 Waterville to US-2 near Cannan and Skowhegan. I always felt that that area could use a bypass connecting to US-201 north of Skowhegan. Apologies for some reason it's not letting me post the pic.

I did say that this was my first time posting here.

file:///C:/Users/19782/OneDrive/Pictures/Maine.jpg
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: 74/171FAN on December 29, 2021, 12:13:03 AM
Quote from: MoMaRoadDweeb on December 28, 2021, 11:37:59 PM
First time poster. Was messing around with a crazy spur pitch from I-95 Waterville to US-2 near Cannan and Skowhegan. I always felt that that area could use a bypass connecting to US-201 north of Skowhegan. Apologies for some reason it's not letting me post the pic.

I did say that this was my first time posting here.

file:///C:/Users/19782/OneDrive/Pictures/Maine.jpg


Please look at this post in regard to posting photos.  (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29125.0)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: MoMaRoadDweeb on December 29, 2021, 12:58:11 AM
Got it. Thanks
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on January 02, 2022, 04:55:31 PM
ISTR there was a project site online some years back, with outlines of proposed alignment options. Not sure how far along they got with it, but apparently it got NIMBYed to death.
This page (https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Fighting+ill-planned+highway+construction-a0137097379) says a bald eagle's nest was discovered in the ROW, the same thing that, along with cost, put the final nail in the Wiscasset bypass's coffin.
Even without that, cost makes me skeptical if this would ever see the light of day. Maine is poor and cheap. I can't think of any divided highway that's been built since I-95 was finally twinned in Yarmouth & Freeport in 1986, and we may never see one again either. With the possible exception of the Gorham turnpike, but blimey, I can see that being a furshlugginer super-2 too. Or with access via roundabouts or something. But anyway...

Wish I'd saved the PDFs; it'd be good to have this stuff for posterity.
A few hours scouring the net yielded nothing. ...BUT!




What I did find was MDOT's Vault Plans Archive (https://mdotapps.maine.gov/meplans/Archive/100/Document).
Dig around and you can find some pretty neat stuff.

"Classic" I-95 / modern I-295
Other than the Maine Turnpike, the first project of what eventually became I-95 was the US1 Freeport bypass, now part of I-295.
Originally, Desert (then Merrill?) Rd (http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=43.843327&lon=-70.120904&zoom=19), Hunter Rd (http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=43.849939&lon=-70.115953&zoom=18), Pownal Rd (http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=43.861899&lon=-70.109789&zoom=19), ME136 (http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=43.867460&lon=-70.104594&zoom=19) and ME125 (http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=43.872121&lon=-70.095145&zoom=18) were at-grade junctions, with signals at Pownal & 136. In 1956-7 (352.9 MB PDF) (https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/1359_IN-01-1(15).pdf), the Desert Rd interchange was constructed along with a new ME 125/136 interchange, new connecting roads were built and the other crossings were unceremoniously cut off.
The original north end was at today's Exit 24. I'd always wondered how it tied back into existing US1; this can be seen on the last page of https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/1550_FI-01-1(1).pdf (38.4 MB).

We can see how that temporary connection was replaced by the modern (other than the lengthening of the accel/decel lanes) configuration on page 10 of https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/1483_I-IN-01-1(8)_II.pdf (69.1 MB). A proposed rest area depicted on page 9 never existed AFAIK.
On the last page, there's a diagram of proposed, never-built interchange at Durham Rd. If this had been built, it would have to have been closed/demolished or reconfigured once time came to extend I-95 north to Topsham, or else a somewhat different configuration would have been needed, to fit the SB US1 connector ramp in.
Note the "60 MPH (Design Speed)". It's posted 65 MPH today.

By 1969, Durham Rd was back on the table. https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/1906_unknown_1 (522.5 MB, pp 12-16) shows a mirror image of one of these (https://travelmapping.net/hb/showroute.php?r=nb.nb002&lat=46.15190658093837&lon=-67.60885477066041&zoom=15). A larger-diameter loop ramp in the SE quadrant is set farther back from the US1 connector, with an apparent auxiliary lane to reduce weaving.
Pp 17-22, 29-30, 34-36 & 67-68 show the missing Exit 23 from the sequential days, River Rd. I woulda expected a folded diamond with the topography there, but anyway.
Why did only River Rd have an exit number reserved, and not Durham Rd? Don't know. Could be that exit numbers came along a bit later, with only River Rd being seriously considered for an interchange at that point.

A 1974 sign plan (42.2 MB) (https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/4021_i-95-4(22)65_i-95-5(21)75.pdf) seems to bear that out. There's a dotted line at River but not Durham Rd, and no mention of exit numbers FWIW. Other items of note: apparent confusion over whether ME196 is N/S or E/W, a "yeild" sign :D, and a temporary end at US201 while construction continued northward to West Gardiner, to open in 1977. The ME196 interchange had trailblazers to US201, but oddly, no sign assemblies are shown for the US201 junction.
That temporary connection was reused when I-295 was resurfaced (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=513.msg2615484#msg2615484) back around 2008-2010ish.
LBNL, it's marked "Revised as Built 1979" and "Completed 1974" -- the year the NMSL took effect -- and chock full of Speed Limit 60 & 70 signs. Approved 1972-12-20 per the first page. I guess the speed limits were just understood to be 55 by go-time, and they just weren't too bothered by that. I dunno man.

US1 corridor, Brunswick
https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/1357_F-01-1(11).pdf (20.5 MB) details the end of the connector to the Interstate (the temporary north end of I-95 (till north of Augusta & the Turnpike) until 1973). A lot of properties were condemned where it touches down. Page 8 features a diagram of a flyover that was considsered instead of the treacherous U-turn ramp that was built.

https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/1718_F-026-1(17)_I_U-026-1(22).pdf (58.4 MB) details the first phase of the the freeway, from US201 to Cooks Corner, that opened in 1964. On page 19 we can see the temporary end at Cooks Corner, in place just a couple years before the rest of the freeway to Bath opened in 1966.
The original 1926 route of US1, Old Bath Rd, intersected then-US1 (today's Bath Rd) at the same point as Thomas Point Rd. A detailed diagram of the junction can be seen on the last 2 pages. It's unclear how Storer Rd (https://historicaerials.com/location/43.908282/-69.914889/T1963/16) was handled, intersecting right at the railroad crossing. Throw in the brand new freeway connection and relatively new ME24 alignment wicked close by, and that's bound to be a clustercoitus. An overpass was needed anyway, so Old Bath Rd was shifted east, cutting off Grover Lane & Farley Rd (why's this pavement look so good? (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9101858,-69.9122371,3a,43.7y,39.61h,88.97t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1slHasiQjZ2IedxKwoktYi7w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i40)) in the process.

The relocation of Bath Rd can also be seen at pages 9, 10 & 18 of https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/1276_F-026-1(24)_I.pdf (51.0 MB).
On page 1, I'm pretty sure "King's Turnpike" is erroneous:
Quote from: https://books.google.com/books?id=AmSFIvLGjLoC&pg=PA533
The turnpike to Bath, sometimes called Governor King's turnpike, was built in 1805 or 1806.
...
It went through the woods nearly all the way east of Cook's Corner. The road now traveled from Brunswick to Cook's Corner and straight on to the New Meadows River is part of the old turnpike
The turnpike bridge was a few rods south of the railroad bridge.

And, saving the best for last:
WESTBROOK FRIGGIN AHTERIAL BUB!
The Westbrook Arterial is Maine's own little I-291, a bypass of ME25 in Portland & Westbrook. Some of it got built, but the original plans were much more ambitious.
After the South Portland route preferred by SoPo, Scarborough & MDOT was chosen for I-295 over the "Westbrook Expressway", Portland & Westbrook got the somewhat scaled-back Westbrook Arterial as a consolation prize. It was slated to run through the Fore River estuary, with environmental concerns continually stalling it until finally, in the early 2000s, the last link to Rand Rd was built, with the rest finally canned for good.
Ramps at I-295 sat unused for decades until eventually repurposed.

Let's start out with https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/1545%20Westbrook%201974%20As-Built.pdf (60.2 MB) -- page 26 has an overview of what was actually built back in the 70s, and all that existed for a good quarter century. We can see the context for the infamous "S-curves", which were indeed half a folded diamond interchange at Larrabee Rd. The presense of a parclo instead of a trumpet and that little southern stub suggest there were plans even back then to extend Larrabee Rd southward to Stroudwater St. This idea was still around in the mid-2000s at least, if not a terribly high priority. Of course, gotta have at-grade intersections now `cuz Maine's cheap. :P
The "95-1" & "95-3" ramp lines are cloverleaf-shaped. Hm. Weird. How would the toll booths have worked?

https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/3590_fu-012-1(7).pdf (246.5 MB) is mostly as-built diagrams, but page 1 has a decent-quality image of the entire planned route, all the way from the "intown relief road" (William Clarke Drive) to I-295. YEHGUY!

The first 2 pages of https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/1313_F-012-1(13)_SU-0127(4)_U-012-1(14).pdf (345.0 MB) have lower-quality copies of those same images. Not much to see here. Page 34 confirms "future ramp(s)" 95-1 & 95-3, but what gets me is the "constructed 1975" caption on the centerline. Sure enough, it looks like some wetlands got filled in, and then just sat for a couple decades.

And now the good stuff -- alternative schematics!https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/6280_u-012-1(4).pdf (80.9 MB) mostly features the sections that got built, but depicts the full folded diamond at Larrabee (still just a stub S of the WBA) and a full cloverleaf at I-95.
Again -- how were the tolls supposed to work? Maybe nothing; maybe this is predicated on a toll-free turnpike. The original plan for the Maine Turnpike was for it to become toll-free once the construction bonds were paid off, which IIRC happened in the early 80s. At that time, the MTA changed their minds and decided to keep the revenue stream to pay for maintenance and capital improvements. The EIS mentions a couple more esoteric alignments not really being practical until the Turnpike becomes free, so it appears this was a consideration.
This document looks like it's intended to be viewed/interpreted in conjunction with https://mdotapps.maine.gov/VaultPlans/5717_i-295-3(12)_full_b.pdf (56.8 MB). Smush`emrightuptogethahbud! This file has all the alignments shown together. Image quality is not the best & it's a bit difficult to read, with the exception of a nice rendering of Exit 5 on the last page. The mystery road out into the Fore River is back. The real item of note here is on page 2, a more northerly alignment of Line B just east of Rand Rd.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on February 03, 2022, 02:13:53 AM
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2022/02/02/change-in-the-air-maine-turnpike-looks-at-cash-free-tolls/

Maine is talking about converting the tolls to all-electronic tolling. Personally, I think that they should go ahead and do it (especially since the New England region, in general, has most of the tolls are cashless)!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on February 03, 2022, 06:41:07 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on February 03, 2022, 02:13:53 AM
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2022/02/02/change-in-the-air-maine-turnpike-looks-at-cash-free-tolls/

Maine is talking about converting the tolls to all-electronic tolling. Personally, I think that they should go ahead and do it (especially since the New England region, in general, has most of the tolls are cashless)!

Good idea after spending millions rebuilding the infrastructure in York to have the high-speed tolling next to the brand new cash collection toll booths.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: MATraveler128 on February 03, 2022, 07:30:04 AM
It’s about time Maine switches to AET. This would be very useful to ease congestion at the York Toll Plaza. Of all the states in the Northeast that have tolls, I wonder why Maine has always held back for so long.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on February 03, 2022, 11:01:25 AM
To ease congestion at the York toll plaza that they just built in order to ease congestion at the York toll plaza?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on February 03, 2022, 01:00:39 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 03, 2022, 06:41:07 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on February 03, 2022, 02:13:53 AM
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2022/02/02/change-in-the-air-maine-turnpike-looks-at-cash-free-tolls/

Maine is talking about converting the tolls to all-electronic tolling. Personally, I think that they should go ahead and do it (especially since the New England region, in general, has most of the tolls are cashless)!

Good idea after spending millions rebuilding the infrastructure in York to have the high-speed tolling next to the brand new cash collection toll booths.
Yeah, wouldn't it have been smarter to think about AET a few years ago rather than right after finishing the new ORT toll plaza?  Still, better late than never.  I hope they'll make the toll scheme more logical rather than the current system of tolling only Maine transponders by distance (out of state transponders use the same barrier/ramp system as cash users).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: MATraveler128 on February 03, 2022, 01:04:30 PM
What if Maine were to go for the New Hampshire way of doing AET with the toll booths on one side and through traffic on the other a’la I-93 in Hooksett.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on February 03, 2022, 02:34:08 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 03, 2022, 01:04:30 PM
What if Maine were to go for the New Hampshire way of doing AET with the toll booths on one side and through traffic on the other a'la I-93 in Hooksett.

That's what York is now, converting to that last September.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on February 03, 2022, 05:21:29 PM
Also converted in 2021 (or in the final stages in 2022) is the West Gardiner/I-295 tolls.  With that completion, all of the interstate-to-interstate connections as well as mainline barriers all feature high speed EZ-Pass, with cash collection on the edges. 

I recall hearing that Maine was reluctant to go AET since it gets a lot of out of state visitors and felt that "chasing down" non-payers would burden the turnpike authority.  They would still have to hunt down someone who went through an EZ-Pass express lane in places where cash booths are provided (albeit via an "exit" to the right side).  There must've been some reason since they just redid the plazas I mentioned above.  If they had planned to convert to AET in a year, they may have held out on the York plaza replacement.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on February 03, 2022, 05:40:36 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on February 03, 2022, 05:21:29 PM
Also converted in 2021 (or in the final stages in 2022) is the West Gardiner/I-295 tolls.  With that completion, all of the interstate-to-interstate connections as well as mainline barriers all feature high speed EZ-Pass, with cash collection on the edges. 

I recall hearing that Maine was reluctant to go AET since it gets a lot of out of state visitors and felt that "chasing down" non-payers would burden the turnpike authority.  They would still have to hunt down someone who went through an EZ-Pass express lane in places where cash booths are provided (albeit via an "exit" to the right side).  There must've been some reason since they just redid the plazas I mentioned above.  If they had planned to convert to AET in a year, they may have held out on the York plaza replacement.

The York toll station was "temporary" in the beginning when it was built... Maine Turnpike *had* to build a new toll plaza regardless, because the soil around the old toll station plaza was sinking... and it was in a bit of a borderline wetland.  The new toll plaza built further north is on a solid foundation... so even if it goes to AET, it needed to be built for that.  The old station was not going to be possible to convert to a 75 mph design.... 
.
And, although a number of entrances/exits further up might become like the Everett in NH and have ET-only exits/entrances at some exits.... I'm sure the York station is profitable to maintain in its present situation.  It's the largest toll ($3) and even if you make the Gardiner and mainline north end toll plazas no cash.... you'll still capture most of the "southern" travel market at mile 8.
.
I expect they'll end up with a hybrid "all but York" AET.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on February 03, 2022, 05:43:20 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 03, 2022, 01:04:30 PM
What if Maine were to go for the New Hampshire way of doing AET with the toll booths on one side and through traffic on the other a'la I-93 in Hooksett.
That's not AET. AET is All Electronic. You're talking ORT - open road tolling being featured.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on February 03, 2022, 09:16:10 PM
Quote from: sturmde on February 03, 2022, 05:40:36 PM
I expect they'll end up with a hybrid "all but York" AET.
I hope not.  That "barrier and ramp" system they use for both cash and non-Maine E-ZPass users needs to go (only Maine E-ZPass users get the virtual ticket system).  Not to mention that traffic coming from New Hampshire will most likely have driven on an AET toll road to get there once the Blue Star Turnpike converts.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on February 04, 2022, 12:25:08 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2022, 09:16:10 PM
once the Blue Star Turnpike converts.
Are there plans for that to happen?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on February 04, 2022, 08:46:43 AM
^ I haven't seen anything yet for I-95.  Construction is underway on converting the Spaulding to AET, and I know of a project to do the same with the Bedford tolls on the Everett, but nothing yet for 95.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on February 04, 2022, 09:04:16 AM
Quote from: sturmde on February 03, 2022, 05:40:36 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on February 03, 2022, 05:21:29 PM
Also converted in 2021 (or in the final stages in 2022) is the West Gardiner/I-295 tolls.  With that completion, all of the interstate-to-interstate connections as well as mainline barriers all feature high speed EZ-Pass, with cash collection on the edges. 

I recall hearing that Maine was reluctant to go AET since it gets a lot of out of state visitors and felt that "chasing down" non-payers would burden the turnpike authority.  They would still have to hunt down someone who went through an EZ-Pass express lane in places where cash booths are provided (albeit via an "exit" to the right side).  There must've been some reason since they just redid the plazas I mentioned above.  If they had planned to convert to AET in a year, they may have held out on the York plaza replacement.

The York toll station was "temporary" in the beginning when it was built... Maine Turnpike *had* to build a new toll plaza regardless, because the soil around the old toll station plaza was sinking... and it was in a bit of a borderline wetland.  The new toll plaza built further north is on a solid foundation... so even if it goes to AET, it needed to be built for that.  The old station was not going to be possible to convert to a 75 mph design.... 
.
And, although a number of entrances/exits further up might become like the Everett in NH and have ET-only exits/entrances at some exits.... I'm sure the York station is profitable to maintain in its present situation.  It's the largest toll ($3) and even if you make the Gardiner and mainline north end toll plazas no cash.... you'll still capture most of the "southern" travel market at mile 8.
.
I expect they'll end up with a hybrid "all but York" AET.

The $3 is up to $4 now.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on February 04, 2022, 08:09:08 PM
Quote from: yakra on February 04, 2022, 12:25:08 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2022, 09:16:10 PM
once the Blue Star Turnpike converts.
Are there plans for that to happen?
Quote from: froggie on February 04, 2022, 08:46:43 AM
^ I haven't seen anything yet for I-95.  Construction is underway on converting the Spaulding to AET, and I know of a project to do the same with the Bedford tolls on the Everett, but nothing yet for 95.

I could have sworn I saw something about NH having long-term plans to go AET, starting with a couple toll plazas on the Everett, posted to this forum, but a quick Google search isn't revealing anything.  I wouldn't be surprised if I-95 were to be last.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on February 08, 2022, 08:04:51 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on February 03, 2022, 05:21:29 PM
I recall hearing that Maine was reluctant to go AET since it gets a lot of out of state visitors and felt that "chasing down" non-payers would burden the turnpike authority.  They would still have to hunt down someone who went through an EZ-Pass express lane in places where cash booths are provided (albeit via an "exit" to the right side).  There must've been some reason since they just redid the plazas I mentioned above.  If they had planned to convert to AET in a year, they may have held out on the York plaza replacement.

They have a whole page on the 2014 study here: https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects-Planning/Planning-Projects/AET.aspx

Last time I was told, the York Toll Plaza toll for pay-by-plate (not sure if out of state E-Z was mentioned) would have to increase to $6.00 from $3.00 (before 2021-11-01 increase to $4.00) due to a massive loss in revenue forecasted, as shown below (also here (https://www.maineturnpike.com/cmstemplates/showAttachment.ashx?url=/Projects-Planning/Planning-Projects/AET/14-0430-Staff-Rpt.pdf):

Quote from: Staff Report on the Present Status of Tolling on the Maine TurnpikeTo recover losses under AET, it is necessary to increase existing tolls with a surcharge. Doubling the toll to $6 for unregistered passenger vehicles (or to $24 for 5-axle trucks) and increasing it by 50% for those willing to register their plates with the Turnpike would raise first year's net revenue to just above the break even point when compared with present conditions. However, it would still fall $.6 million behind an ORT system with no surcharge.

A chief consequence of adding a $3 surcharge to the AET toll is to divert between 3,400 and 5,500 vehicles per day onto adjoining roads like Route 1, with higher levels at peak times. These diversions amount to between 30% and almost 50% of current cash traffic. Summer traffic on Route 1 in York already averages 14,000 cars per day. At Ogunquit, it averages 21,000. Because of conflicts in business protocols between AET and cash collection, it would likely be necessary to adopt AET for the entire Turnpike rather than to use it in only one location and attempt to run two parallel systems with different collection and violation rules.




Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2022, 09:16:10 PM
Quote from: sturmde on February 03, 2022, 05:40:36 PM
I expect they'll end up with a hybrid "all but York" AET.
I hope not.  That "barrier and ramp" system they use for both cash and non-Maine E-ZPass users needs to go (only Maine E-ZPass users get the virtual ticket system).  Not to mention that traffic coming from New Hampshire will most likely have driven on an AET toll road to get there once the Blue Star Turnpike converts.

If the Maine Turnpike Authority decides to go AET (as well as NHDOT as well), I wonder (and hope) if out of state E-ZPass users will get some discount off of Pay By Plate / Tolls By Mail, but not the full discount if you would have a Maine issued E-ZPass, similar to how MA and NY (Thruway) set their toll schedules...
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on February 08, 2022, 09:37:40 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on February 08, 2022, 08:04:51 PM
If the Maine Turnpike Authority decides to go AET (as well as NHDOT as well), I wonder (and hope) if out of state E-ZPass users will get some discount off of Pay By Plate / Tolls By Mail, but not the full discount if you would have a Maine issued E-ZPass, similar to how MA (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1533522,-71.9748936,3a,22.2y,303.1h,86.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shVDLoP9vBXO7Ad-PDfRR2g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) and NY (Thruway (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.9781978,-73.8563083,3a,24.2y,83.25h,94.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s5JKJgJplw78P6M_L_TlgDw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)) set their toll schedules...
That seems to be becoming a trend, at least in this part of the country.  It's better than what ME has now (where it's cheaper for people with out of state transponders or paying cash to get off at exit 45 than exit 44) or what MD does, I prefer the PA method (all transponders pay the same rate), which, it's worth noting, is what the Thruway used to do before a budget crunch a few years ago.  The fact that some people have multiple E-ZPass transponders from different agencies is absurd.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2022, 10:49:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2022, 09:37:40 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on February 08, 2022, 08:04:51 PM
If the Maine Turnpike Authority decides to go AET (as well as NHDOT as well), I wonder (and hope) if out of state E-ZPass users will get some discount off of Pay By Plate / Tolls By Mail, but not the full discount if you would have a Maine issued E-ZPass, similar to how MA (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1533522,-71.9748936,3a,22.2y,303.1h,86.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shVDLoP9vBXO7Ad-PDfRR2g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) and NY (Thruway (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.9781978,-73.8563083,3a,24.2y,83.25h,94.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s5JKJgJplw78P6M_L_TlgDw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)) set their toll schedules...
That seems to be becoming a trend, at least in this part of the country.  It's better than what ME has now (where it's cheaper for people with out of state transponders or paying cash to get off at exit 45 than exit 44) or what MD does, I prefer the PA method (all transponders pay the same rate), which, it's worth noting, is what the Thruway used to do before a budget crunch a few years ago.  The fact that some people have multiple E-ZPass transponders from different agencies is absurd.

Having multiple E-ZPass transponders would seem to be pennywise and pound foolish.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on February 09, 2022, 12:51:01 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2022, 10:49:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2022, 09:37:40 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on February 08, 2022, 08:04:51 PM
If the Maine Turnpike Authority decides to go AET (as well as NHDOT as well), I wonder (and hope) if out of state E-ZPass users will get some discount off of Pay By Plate / Tolls By Mail, but not the full discount if you would have a Maine issued E-ZPass, similar to how MA (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1533522,-71.9748936,3a,22.2y,303.1h,86.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shVDLoP9vBXO7Ad-PDfRR2g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) and NY (Thruway (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.9781978,-73.8563083,3a,24.2y,83.25h,94.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s5JKJgJplw78P6M_L_TlgDw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)) set their toll schedules...
That seems to be becoming a trend, at least in this part of the country.  It's better than what ME has now (where it's cheaper for people with out of state transponders or paying cash to get off at exit 45 than exit 44) or what MD does, I prefer the PA method (all transponders pay the same rate), which, it's worth noting, is what the Thruway used to do before a budget crunch a few years ago.  The fact that some people have multiple E-ZPass transponders from different agencies is absurd.

Having multiple E-ZPass transponders would seem to be pennywise and pound foolish.
Depends on whether the amount of discounts one gets exceeds the amount one would pay in additional fees/deposits.  Of course, being from NY and having a Thruway tag, the idea of having to pay fees or non-refundable deposits for a transponder is foreign to me... seems like the modern system is being used as a way to nickel and dime users (particularly those from out of state) while at least with cash, the toll was the toll was the toll.  None of these extra chargers or charging different people of the same vehicle class different rates (at least beyond the transponder discount over cash when they were first introduced, as transponders cost less than paying a toll collector).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: 1995hoo on February 21, 2022, 07:53:27 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2022, 10:49:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2022, 09:37:40 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on February 08, 2022, 08:04:51 PM
If the Maine Turnpike Authority decides to go AET (as well as NHDOT as well), I wonder (and hope) if out of state E-ZPass users will get some discount off of Pay By Plate / Tolls By Mail, but not the full discount if you would have a Maine issued E-ZPass, similar to how MA (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1533522,-71.9748936,3a,22.2y,303.1h,86.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shVDLoP9vBXO7Ad-PDfRR2g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) and NY (Thruway (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.9781978,-73.8563083,3a,24.2y,83.25h,94.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s5JKJgJplw78P6M_L_TlgDw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)) set their toll schedules...
That seems to be becoming a trend, at least in this part of the country.  It's better than what ME has now (where it's cheaper for people with out of state transponders or paying cash to get off at exit 45 than exit 44) or what MD does, I prefer the PA method (all transponders pay the same rate), which, it's worth noting, is what the Thruway used to do before a budget crunch a few years ago.  The fact that some people have multiple E-ZPass transponders from different agencies is absurd.

Having multiple E-ZPass transponders would seem to be pennywise and pound foolish.

Talk to mtantillo. He has several of them. The big one, in his case, is having access to an MTA E-ZPass, which gets him the lower rate on NYC's bridges and tunnels. If you go there often enough and can manage to get one, it would be worth it. I've never bothered getting one because I almost always take Amtrak when I go to NYC.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on February 21, 2022, 06:59:57 PM
I have a Massachusetts-issued EZ-PASS and I don't get any MassPike toll discounts.  There's a lower rate for in-state EZ-PASS which I do not get.  I'm guessing because I live out of state (in CT).  They also made me get a commercial account because I drive a pickup truck. 

In other news...

I traveled the Maine Turnpike up to Exit 53 over the weekend.  Man, that new York Toll is so nice!  The old one has been completely demolished and a "Speed Limit 60" is now in place through its work zone.  There's a slight lane shift... that's about it.  I'm guessing once its all restored to nature there, it'll be a constant 70 MPH throughout.  Also, there are now only two exits with dual Mile/KM signage remaining... Exits 47 & 48.  I didn't realize Exit 25/NB got new signs.  Those snuck in under the radar.

Pics are over at my FLICKR page... check the sig for the link.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on March 03, 2022, 05:35:53 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on February 21, 2022, 06:59:57 PM
I have a Massachusetts-issued EZ-PASS and I don't get any MassPike toll discounts.  There's a lower rate for in-state EZ-PASS which I do not get.  I'm guessing because I live out of state (in CT). They also made me get a commercial account because I drive a pickup truck. 

From what I am reading on the EZDrive MA site (https://www.ezdrivema.com/TollCalculator), 2-axle commercial vehicles and up don't have the in vs out of state rates for E-ZPass users unlike 2-axle passenger vehicles. So in essence, only 2-axle passenger vehicles have different E-ZPass rates for in vs out of state rates, while 2-axle commercial and 3 or more axles just pay a single E-ZPass rate, regardless of transponder origin.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: ixnay on March 09, 2022, 07:54:02 AM
I'm trying to draw a bead on what streets US 1 took through downtown Belfast (I vacationed at a nice B&B there 25 years ago) prior to the opening of the bypass in 1963 (per bridgereports.com).  Maps on Google Images aren't helping me, and neither is wikipedia nor http://www.roadandrailpictures.com/hist1me.htm .

Heading north through downtown, did US 1 follow High Street or Church Street coming off of Northport Ave.?

If 1 followed Church Street, I assume 1 continued on Church up to Pierce Street, then turned right and followed Pierce to and across the old Passagassawakaeg River bridge (now a pedestrian bridge) and continued on to Searsport.

But if 1 followed High Street, there's a shortcut it could have taken to the old bridge, by doglegging up Bridge Street to Pierce Street.  Or else it could have kept following High up to Pierce.

Can someone help?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Mr. Matté on March 09, 2022, 08:28:36 AM
If a red line on a USGS topo map is anything to go by, it went Northport--> High --> Bridge St. --> Pierce onto the bridge.
https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=d31de7092966fcb888aade9fd9f10036
https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/viewer/#15/44.4252/-69.0121
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: ClassicHasClass on March 09, 2022, 01:08:28 PM
From my old research, "US 1 now occupies a partially controlled-access bypass alignment with ME 3 around the west end of town. The former alignment is Northport Avenue to High Street; a small structure signed as "Footbridge Rd" off Pierce St is the remnant of the original US 1 crossing over the Belfast Bay inlet." ( http://www.floodgap.com/roadgap/me/r?1 )
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 19, 2022, 05:38:36 PM
ESRI imagery has been updated to show progress on the conversion of Exit 45 to a diamond.
I usually view it in the Travel Mapping Highway Browser:
https://travelmapping.net/hb/showroute.php?r=me.i095&lat=43.632068&lon=-70.344129&zoom=16
Hover over the layers icon at top-right of the map and select "Esri WorldImagery".
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Pete from Boston on March 19, 2022, 07:57:10 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2022, 10:49:43 PM
Having multiple E-ZPass transponders would seem to be pennywise and pound foolish.

I had Massachusetts and New York for quite a while. I live in Massachusetts but have crisscrossed back and forth between here and the New York area my whole life. One trip to the city racks up double-digit toll savings thanks to the NY transponder.

Ironically it's the Mass one I don't use anymore, because the savings is so little for the amount I cross through toll booths around here.

Honestly, I think there's a level of parochialism with all the in-state discounts. I asked an official at a hearing why we were going to a two-tiered pricing system when it forced interstate travelers across small states to pick one discount or another, and he said, "I think Massachusetts drivers deserve a lower price."  I asked what he meant by that, and he said something like, "They just do."  I said that felt a little juvenile, which maybe wasn't the best response, but it's how I feel.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 20, 2022, 11:55:22 AM
Yadda yadda INTERSTATE COMMERCE yadda yadda?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on May 28, 2022, 08:43:45 PM
https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/05/28/road-closed-route-1-cyr-plantation-washed-out/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Alps on May 29, 2022, 01:05:44 AM
Quote from: yakra on May 28, 2022, 08:43:45 PM
https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/05/28/road-closed-route-1-cyr-plantation-washed-out/
places I never knew existed, but i guess someone lives there
everyone to 1A
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on July 03, 2022, 10:49:36 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSDecPeK4JM
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on July 04, 2022, 09:34:26 AM
^ Is there a timelapse video showing the demolition and installation?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on July 04, 2022, 07:31:04 PM
The demolition is largely obscured by the new spans in the foreground but here's one from WCSH:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxgBOYgDcUo
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on July 22, 2022, 09:34:24 PM
I just saw my first Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (also called a High intensity Activated crossWalK, HAWK) in the entire State of Maine in Portland, at the intersection of Congress and Lascell Streets. It appears to have been installed 2-3 weeks ago from the last time I drove thru there. This used to be just a standard RYG ped signal (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6586033,-70.2943388,3a,75y,294.17h,77.19t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxWZ7dshssNjoFiaqAOAcvQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).

MaineDOT has historically been opposed to PHBs, instead prefering Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) (from what I'm told after doing numerous crosswalk projects in the state), but I noticed this was installed under WIN LAP018664.00 (https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=DOT_projects&id=4313538&v=full-archive-2016) from a source I was told by. So I'm not sure if the DOT is testing out PHBs and using this as a trial location, or if this was a City of Portland installation and Portland wanted to test the PHBs.

Here is what I observed:
- The cabinet seems to be reused from the old setup, but I'm unsure if they replaced the controller as well (Believe it was an old TS1 controller).
- The flashing phase DOES NOT happen until after the FDW ends. It flashes red (in the normal wig-wag setup) for 5 seconds before going dark.
- Some drivers seem to understand what to do during the flashing red phase (treat as STOP sign, then proceed then clear) unlike in New Hampshire, but some drivers just sat there until it went dark.
- There were some red light runners well after the WALK phase was active and the red lights were activated.

Have any more of these appeared statewide as a PHB? For the record I'm not talking about the one in Scarborough (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5690334,-70.3893262,3a,20y,228.13h,92.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sB6Xlckd_rHCY2rb21iNwMQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) which acts as an Emergency Vehicle Hybrid Beacon, installed in the mid 2010s.

(https://i.ibb.co/GMr9ND7/IMG-4627.jpg)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: DRMan on July 26, 2022, 11:33:19 AM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on July 22, 2022, 09:34:24 PM
For the record I'm not talking about the one in Scarborough (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5690334,-70.3893262,3a,20y,228.13h,92.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sB6Xlckd_rHCY2rb21iNwMQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) which acts as an Emergency Vehicle Hybrid Beacon, installed in the mid 2010s.

Is it just the photo, or does that Scarborough beacon have all red signals, including the one on the bottom that would usually be yellow?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on July 29, 2022, 08:48:27 PM
If memory serves, they're all red.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on September 28, 2022, 04:39:10 PM
Exit 45, as a trumpet interchange on the Maine Turnpike will offically close down for good on Friday, 30 September and reopen on Monday, 3 October as a diamond interchange:

https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects/Construction-Projects/Exit-45.aspx#:~:text=Exit%2045%20will%20be%20closed,toll%20plazas%20and%20wider%20bridge.




Quote from: DRMan on July 26, 2022, 11:33:19 AM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on July 22, 2022, 09:34:24 PM
For the record I'm not talking about the one in Scarborough (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5690334,-70.3893262,3a,20y,228.13h,92.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sB6Xlckd_rHCY2rb21iNwMQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) which acts as an Emergency Vehicle Hybrid Beacon, installed in the mid 2010s.




Is it just the photo, or does that Scarborough beacon have all red signals, including the one on the bottom that would usually be yellow?

The two top signals are red, and the bottom section is yellow. I have no idea what the light sequence is for these Emergency Vehicle Beacons especially during the red phase.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on September 28, 2022, 05:10:36 PM
Someone enlighten me...

Quote from the Maine Tpke press release:
QuoteHighway design engineers had determined that the Exit 45 interchange, originally designed for the Turnpike Portland-Augusta expansion in 1955, could no longer handle the increased traffic volumes of this century.

So a free flowing interchange can't handle increased traffic volumes, so we put up traffic lights instead?  Really?

Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on September 28, 2022, 05:56:01 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on September 28, 2022, 05:10:36 PM
Someone enlighten me...

Quote from the Maine Tpke press release:
QuoteHighway design engineers had determined that the Exit 45 interchange, originally designed for the Turnpike Portland-Augusta expansion in 1955, could no longer handle the increased traffic volumes of this century.

So a free flowing interchange can't handle increased traffic volumes, so we put up traffic lights instead?  Really?

From what I'm told, I believe the signals are going to be a temporary thing (given they are on span wire with wood poles and they are using a refurbished TS2 controller and cabinet) since part of the Exit 45 reconfiguration is for the proposed Gorham Bypass (https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects/Planning-Projects/Gorham-Connector.aspx) work that is still TBD as of this post. How true that is I'm not 100% sure of. (Signal Plans (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S_wPPIU9eYiiZTNQO9IN6-6Kc9YSHKHI/view?usp=sharing))

As always the signal layout seems to use a lot of post mounting as seen with past HTNB installations, even with the 5-section signal coming from the ramp. It appears the signals are on soft recall on Phase 2 (the Exit 45 SB off ramp) most of the time until a call from Phase 4 (coming from WB 703 to turn left onto the SB Turnpike) is placed. The signals appear to be on "Free" 24/7 so Phase 4 should get serviced once Phase 2 serves its minimum or maximum green.

This also will be the first Arrow Per Lane sign ever installed in Maine to my knowledge - it will be installed after the Maine Mall Rd exit heading in the WB direction to the Maine Turnpike.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on October 13, 2022, 03:34:43 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on September 28, 2022, 05:10:36 PM
Someone enlighten me...

Quote from the Maine Tpke press release:
QuoteHighway design engineers had determined that the Exit 45 interchange, originally designed for the Turnpike Portland-Augusta expansion in 1955, could no longer handle the increased traffic volumes of this century.

So a free flowing interchange can't handle increased traffic volumes, so we put up traffic lights instead?  Really?

The combination of a 1955 tollbooth in the half-clover of a heavy traffic exit serving Maine Mall, and single lane ramps couldn't handle traffic volumes, no.  The new diamond has a separate SB tollbooth and NB tollbooth with more ORT lanes, and ties in with the expansion of the Maine Turnpike between exits 44 and 48.  Most of the time, traffic headed WB on 703 that turns left to go SB will have a green.  Only when the rare car SB on 95 wants to go EB on 703 will the signal change phase.

It'll get even messier someday when they figure out how and where to build the Gorham Connector west to the roundabout intersection of ME 112 & 114 south of Gorham where 703 will someday run.  Then, the old half trumpet wouldn't have worked at all: you'd need a cloverleaf... so the diamond made most sense.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on October 13, 2022, 10:59:18 PM
Quote from: sturmde on October 13, 2022, 03:34:43 PM
The combination of a 1955 tollbooth in the half-clover of a heavy traffic exit serving Maine Mall, and single lane ramps couldn't handle traffic volumes, no.

I used the Maine Mall Rd to ME Route 703 WB ramp very frequently in the summers of 2021 and 2022 and I saw either close rear ends from people yielding to 703 traffic (from drivers not expecting to stop), or most commonly, close calls from drivers quickly dashing left from that on ramp to try to get to the two E-ZPass lanes to the left. I'm not surprised that the former toll plaza (or toll house? There used to be a sign sugessting it was such as of August 2022. (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6301795,-70.336137,3a,27.4y,128.79h,86.64t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sYqufDFrNgNBsf5RBTJ9SDw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DYqufDFrNgNBsf5RBTJ9SDw%26cb_client%3Dsearch.revgeo_and_fetch.gps%26w%3D96%26h%3D64%26yaw%3D284.91437%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)) was a High Crash Location (https://mdotapps.maine.gov/HCLDiagrams/HIGH%20CRASH%20LOCATION%202019%202021%2019399%2018653.pdf) by MaineDOT.

Quote from: sturmde on October 13, 2022, 03:34:43 PM
Most of the time, traffic headed WB on 703 that turns left to go SB will have a green.  Only when the rare car SB on 95 wants to go EB on 703 will the signal change phase.

Based on the signal plans (see reply #410), what you mentioned above is actually the reverse. The soft recall is actually on Phase 2, which is the I-95 SB off ramp to ME Route 703 EB movement. Assuming the signals have serviced their min greens and dwelling on ø2 with no calls on it, Phase 4 which is the ME Route 703 to I-95 SB on ramp movement will have to wait a minimum of 6 seconds (4s Y+2s AR).
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on October 14, 2022, 12:58:21 PM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on October 13, 2022, 10:59:18 PM
I used the Maine Mall Rd to ME Route 703 WB ramp very frequently in the summers of 2021 and 2022 and I saw either close rear ends from people yielding to 703 traffic (from drivers not expecting to stop), or most commonly, close calls from drivers quickly dashing left from that on ramp to try to get to the two E-ZPass lanes to the left. I'm not supposed that the former toll plaza (or toll house? There used to be a sign sugessting it was such as of August 2022. (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6301795,-70.336137,3a,27.4y,128.79h,86.64t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sYqufDFrNgNBsf5RBTJ9SDw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DYqufDFrNgNBsf5RBTJ9SDw%26cb_client%3Dsearch.revgeo_and_fetch.gps%26w%3D96%26h%3D64%26yaw%3D284.91437%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)) was a High Crash Location (https://mdotapps.maine.gov/HCLDiagrams/HIGH%20CRASH%20LOCATION%202019%202021%2019399%2018653.pdf) by MaineDOT.
They probably could have also taken care of that by doing a slight widening of the Turnpike Connector so that traffic doesn't have to merge before the booths and move one of the E-ZPass lanes to the far right lane so that traffic doesn't have an incentive to gun it over to the left.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on October 22, 2022, 06:46:16 PM
Contract plans are out as the Saco interchange project is going out for bid.  The project will add a new exit, #35, on the Maine Turnpike in Saco, at the location of the original then-Exit 5 (before I-195 was built).  The existing ramps to/from the Saco Hotel and the turnpike northbound will essentially be maintained but modified and will intersect with ME 112.  The northbound onramp will be an operational lane, ending at Exit 36.  Southbound, Exits 35 & 36 will leave the turnpike combined with a C&D road separated from the mainline.  Traffic entering from Exit 36 (I-195) will be in the C/D road and have to get over 1 lane left to get to I-95 South, while traffic is exiting right at new Exit 35, a new set of ramps on the west side of the turnpike (the new interchange will not be a trumpet). 

Sign plans call for the new exit to be signed "EXIT 35/112 TO 1/Saco/Buxton" (northbound) and "EXIT 35/112 TO 1/Saco/Biddeford" (southbound).  Sign plans begin on Page 193 of Plan Set 1 of 3 (see under "Additional Info"), accessible from this page:  https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects/Construction-Contracts/Interchange-Improvements-Saco.aspx
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: plain on November 19, 2022, 01:44:44 AM
Some vids and pics celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Maine Tpk.

https://www.maineturnpike75.com/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 17, 2023, 02:00:29 PM
Is extending I-95 north likely to happen?

https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2023-03-15/legislature-mulls-whether-to-study-expanding-i-95-from-houlton-to-fort-kent
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: hotdogPi on March 17, 2023, 02:06:24 PM
Just for access to Presque Isle (9k) and Caribou (7k)? I don't think it's worth it. For anyone going farther, NB 2 is already a freeway.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Ghostbuster on March 17, 2023, 02:17:12 PM
Forget it! If traffic counts warrant it (and I highly doubt they do), they should expand US 1 to four lanes, with bypasses around the towns it presently goes through. I'm sure everyone will agree, pigs will fly and water will run uphill before that happens.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on March 17, 2023, 04:33:56 PM
A Presque Isle bypass (http://presqueislemaine.gov/by-pass-information-city-of-presque-isle/) has been proposed.  A small section between Conant Rd and ME 163 was completed in 2019 as an at-grade road.  Last fall, the project received a $44M INFRA grant (https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/increasing-the-safety-and-efficiency-of-route-1-in-northern_eastern-maine) to finish the southern part of the bypass, from Conant Rd south to existing US 1.

I've found references that the city of Presque Isle preferred a western bypass instead of the currently planned eastern bypass, but they have since signed off on an eastern bypass.

A 1988 study by the state Legislature (https://digitalmaine.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1193&context=opla_docs) recommended a Mars Hill bypass, truck/passing lanes, and shoulders.  The Mars Hill bypass was reaffirmed in a 2008-09 study (which was done by VHB but is no longer on their website).

Besides the aforementioned bypasses and an occasional passing lane, I don't see a pressing need for anything beyond spot improvements.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 17, 2023, 05:27:03 PM
Thanks for the perspective. I haven't been anywhere close to Maine but I can't wait to visit as Lobster is my favorite food. Interesting to see such low traffic counts. I wonder why they're proposing it then.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: JREwing78 on March 18, 2023, 12:30:56 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on March 17, 2023, 02:00:29 PM
Is extending I-95 north likely to happen?

Great Plains and Western states might entertain the notion of a 4-lane controlled-access expressway with those traffic numbers, but Eastern states would find vehicle-per-day figures under 7000 pretty low and hard to justify.

Caribou, ME is about as middle-of-nowhere as you can get east of the Mississippi. I-95 is so empty east of Bangor that they posted a 75 mph speed limit, and you're more likely to have a collision with a bear or moose than another vehicle. The section of US-1 between Houlton and Caribou would be similarly empty as a 4-lane highway, let alone a fully limited-access freeway.

North of Caribou, neither ME-161 nor US-1 break 3000 vpd - there's no reason to 4-lane either.

Primary reason for a 4-lane there would be safety for truck traffic and to shave maybe 10 minutes off a 4 hour drive from Caribou to Augusta.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 18, 2023, 01:33:32 PM
The State Senate President (Troy Jackson) is from Northern Aroostook, which may be why the state will at least consider such a proposal. But he is (or will be) termed out soon, so I'm not sure this idea will proceed much further.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on March 18, 2023, 10:04:08 PM
Quote from: JREwing78 on March 18, 2023, 12:30:56 AM
North of Caribou, neither ME-161 nor US-1 break 3000 vpd
In Van Buren, Main St has an AADT of > 3300 everywhere between Champlain St and the US1A junction. Tops out at 5435 between McKinley St & Bridge St.
ME161 has an AADT of 3413 as it enters the town of Woodland. In Fort Kent, the segment south of Bridge St is 4587, increasing to 5967 just before joining the US1 concurrency.
From Fort Kent heading toward Madawaska, US1 takes until Pump House Rd for AADT to fall below 3k. Heading into town & toward the int'l bridge, it gets as high as 8267 on the first bit of the 1/161 overlap, N of River St.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: JREwing78 on March 19, 2023, 02:08:24 AM
Quote from: yakra on March 18, 2023, 10:04:08 PM
Quote from: JREwing78 on March 18, 2023, 12:30:56 AM
North of Caribou, neither ME-161 nor US-1 break 3000 vpd
In Van Buren, Main St has an AADT of > 3300 everywhere between Champlain St and the US1A junction. Tops out at 5435 between McKinley St & Bridge St.
ME161 has an AADT of 3413 as it enters the town of Woodland. In Fort Kent, the segment south of Bridge St is 4587, increasing to 5967 just before joining the US1 concurrency.
From Fort Kent heading toward Madawaska, US1 takes until Pump House Rd for AADT to fall below 3k. Heading into town & toward the int'l bridge, it gets as high as 8267 on the first bit of the 1/161 overlap, N of River St.

So, we have some spot locations in-town with higher traffic. But you can't say with a straight face that there's congestion on either US-1 or ME-161 outside of towns north of Caribou, let alone south to Houlton. Certainly there are many other places in Maine that have better justification for a 4-lane highway.

Extending I-95 northward is more of a dick-waving exercise than anything else.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: MATraveler128 on March 19, 2023, 07:49:49 AM
US 201 north of Waterville would make more sense given that it connects towards roughly the same path as Autoroute 73 in Quebec. Not absolutely necessary, but makes more sense than extending I-95.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Beeper1 on April 12, 2023, 10:05:43 PM
Work is beginning on the new Saco interchange.   As part of that, the ramps to the Ramada hotel are no more.  They were closed permanently back on March 20th.  Those ramps will now be modified to the new ramps for ME-112.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on April 13, 2023, 05:25:47 AM
Quote from: Beeper1 on April 12, 2023, 10:05:43 PM
Work is beginning on the new Saco interchange.   As part of that, the ramps to the Ramada hotel are no more.  They were closed permanently back on March 20th.  Those ramps will now be modified to the new ramps for ME-112.

The Ramada ramp must have been one of the last of its kind.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on April 29, 2023, 01:13:10 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 19, 2023, 07:49:49 AM
US 201 north of Waterville would make more sense given that it connects towards roughly the same path as Autoroute 73 in Quebec. Not absolutely necessary, but makes more sense than extending I-95.

No, the most pressing need to promote to a 4-lane route would be US 1A east from Bangor to Ellsworth (and onward with ME 3 to the bridge to Mount Desert Island a/k/a Bar Harbor).  It doesn't need to be divided -- the terrain makes it tough to do dual roadway, but a five lane Florida type might work...  Head-on collisions with the current 2-lane and occasional passing lane 3-lane are really a problem though...  Might need to do some new terrain sections, and such...
.
Quebec might send A-73 someday down towards Lac Megantic and the border at Woburn: I've always envisioned a multinational route 102, a christened QC 102 cosigned on A-10, then running along QC 108 & 212 to Coburn Gore, and a new ME 102 or US 102 along ME 27, ME 16, US 201A, ME 139, I-95, I-395, 395 extension, ME 9, US 1 New Crossing... to NB 1 (cosigned as a new NB 102) and NB 2 into Nova Scotia with NS 102 replacing NS 104 west of current NS 102.  A true 102 corridor 3M: Montreal - Maine - Maritimes, or Montreal - Halifax Highway...
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on April 29, 2023, 08:42:38 AM
Quote from: sturmde on April 29, 2023, 01:13:10 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 19, 2023, 07:49:49 AM
US 201 north of Waterville would make more sense given that it connects towards roughly the same path as Autoroute 73 in Quebec. Not absolutely necessary, but makes more sense than extending I-95.

No, the most pressing need to promote to a 4-lane route would be US 1A east from Bangor to Ellsworth (and onward with ME 3 to the bridge to Mount Desert Island a/k/a Bar Harbor).  It doesn't need to be divided -- the terrain makes it tough to do dual roadway, but a five lane Florida type might work...  Head-on collisions with the current 2-lane and occasional passing lane 3-lane are really a problem though...  Might need to do some new terrain sections, and such...

I would disagree there.  US 1 from Bath to Wiscasset (if not all the way to Newcastle) is more problematic and has notably higher volumes than 1A.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Plutonic Panda on July 25, 2023, 03:22:58 AM
Quote from: yakra on December 02, 2021, 10:25:28 AM
ME9 will be relocated onto the connector, with old 9 becoming ME9Bus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPI2rlTOSFY&t=98s
Update on this: https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/work-progressing-on-new-i-395-to-maine-route-9-connector-road-near-bangor/61819
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Ghostbuster on July 25, 2023, 01:18:58 PM
The new roadway will be constructed as a two-lane highway, thus the reason why it will be numbered ME 9 and not as an extension of Interstate 395. Maybe if the roadway is eventually expanded to four lanes, the 395 designation can be extended as well.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: kramie13 on August 25, 2023, 04:05:33 PM
I'm taking a trip up to Maine next week and I was looking at the toll calculator for the Maine Turnpike.

From Exit 19 (Wells) to Exit 42 (Scarborough), the toll is $1.50.  But get off at Exit 44 (I-295) and it's a buck more ($2.50).  But drive an extra mile on the toll road and get off at Exit 45 and it's a $1.50 toll again?  Who designed this toll system?

And worst of all, from Exit 7 (York) to Exit 19 (Wells), the toll is $4.00.  Why is this 12-mile stretch significantly more costly?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on August 25, 2023, 04:51:23 PM
Quote from: kramie13 on August 25, 2023, 04:05:33 PM
I'm taking a trip up to Maine next week and I was looking at the toll calculator for the Maine Turnpike.

From Exit 19 (Wells) to Exit 42 (Scarborough), the toll is $1.50.  But get off at Exit 44 (I-295) and it's a buck more ($2.50).  But drive an extra mile on the toll road and get off at Exit 45 and it's a $1.50 toll again?  Who designed this toll system?

And worst of all, from Exit 7 (York) to Exit 19 (Wells), the toll is $4.00.  Why is this 12-mile stretch significantly more costly?

The Maine Turnpike has a strange tolling system, where Cash and Out of State E-ZPasses are charged a flat rate, while those with Maine E-ZPasses use a modifed virtual ticket system (Distance based tolls). I believe a traditional ticket system was used up until Transpass, now E-ZPass in 2005, was introduced in September 1997 (https://www.maineturnpike.com/About-MTA/History.aspx). The Turnpike Authority changed from using the ticket system to using a "fixed fare" system around that time as well, though I'm not sure if Transpass and the early E-ZPass system charged a lower toll (or even used the virtual ticket system / distance based tolls as it is since 2012) in it's infancy, prior to the 2012 toll increase.

Quote from: Maine Turnpike Authority - HistoryIn September 1997, the Authority launched New England's "first"  electronic toll collection (ETC) system called Transpass. The ETC technology available on the market in the early 1990's had not evolved to a level whereby a standard device was commercially available to conduct multi-state transactions. Yet, the need to address growing traffic congestion at toll plazas increased the importance to utilize new technology to assist in toll collection, other than the 50-year practice of handing out and collecting toll tickets. Along with bringing in ETC, the Authority also converted to a new cash system. The new system charges a "fixed fare"  for each vehicle class, paid upon entering the highway, and thereby eliminating the need to stop at the exit locations. The combination of these two systems reduced traffic stops at the entering tolls for ETC customers and eliminated stops upon exiting for all customers. These systems have reduced the need to add more toll lanes. It also has saved the Authority and Turnpike toll payers millions of dollars that would otherwise have been spent to add new lanes at toll plazas.

Exit 44 off of I-95 North has always charged an additional exit toll (for cash and Out of State E-ZPasses) for quite some time now - it's why some northbound motorists who are Cash or Out of State E-ZPass looking to go to I-295 north from I-95 north get off at Exit 45 and then use ME Route 703 (Maine Turnpike Approach) to hop back onto I-295 North (Exit E) since there's no exit toll via those movements. There is also an exit toll (for cash and Out of State E-ZPasses) on Exit 52: Falmouth Spur TO I-295 North / US Route 1 as well.

Quote from: Maine Turnpike Authority - FAQWhy do some interchanges have an entrance fee and others do not?

In 1999, the northern end of the Turnpike was converted from a closed to open barrier system. The open system has mainline toll plazas only located at New Gloucester and West Gardiner. As a result of the change, toll plazas were removed from the Lewiston and Auburn interchanges to create more efficiency in toll collection and improve movement of traffic. The Sabattus interchange was constructed in 2004. In addition, southbound Turnpike travel when entering at Wells and northbound entrance from Gray have no tolls due to respective proximity to mainline toll plazas.

For the record, here's the toll rates with both forms of tender to both Exits 44 and 45 from the exits from the south:




   
   
   
   
   
   
   
to Exit 44 (cash/Out of State E-ZPass)to Exit 44 (Maine E-ZPass)to Exit 45 (cash/Out of State E-ZPass)to Exit 45 (Maine E-ZPass)
York Toll Plaza$5.00$2.95$4.00$3.00
Exit 19$2.50$2.00$1.50$1.50
Exit 25$2.00$1.50$1.00$1.00
Exit 32$2.00$1.00$1.00$1.00
Exit 35 (under construction)$TBD$TBD$TBD$TBD
Exit 36$2.00$0.70$1.00$0.75
Exit 42$2.00$0.50$1.00$0.50

As for the York Toll Plaza, for Cash and Out of State E-ZPasses only, it was upped from $2 -> $3 on 2012-11-01, and from $3 -> $4 on 2021-11-01. Again, this rate can vary for Maine E-ZPass users only ($0.95 - 6.70). Interestingly, the Maine E-ZPass toll rate between the York Toll Plaza and Exit 44: I-295 is $2.95... not sure that's a coincidence.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: sturmde on August 25, 2023, 05:22:35 PM
Quote from: kramie13 on August 25, 2023, 04:05:33 PM
:
:
And worst of all, from Exit 7 (York) to Exit 19 (Wells), the toll is $4.00.  Why is this 12-mile stretch significantly more costly?

It's not 12-miles you're paying for... it's also everything from the bridge at Mile 0 to Exit 19.  No one coming in from out of state is exiting much at 7 and taking US 1 to Portland, and putting a tollbooth just past the bridge would create tremendous traffic backups... not unlike what the old drawbridge would do before 95 was finished.  Even in the "old days", the first toll booth was between Exit 3 and Exit 7.  Consider the toll also covered the huge improvement of the at-speed toll collection system.... MUCH better than the old Mile 8 tollbooths that backed up...
.
Now, New Hampshire needs to do something quickly about the backups on I-95 at the Hampton Toll.  The weaving and folks slowing down is ridiculously dangerous.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on August 25, 2023, 05:30:27 PM
If you look on the offramps (those that are not charged tolls), there are sensors over the lanes.  These are meant to read the EZ-PASS and somehow determine the difference between a METpke-issued EZ-PASS and an out of state EZ-PASS.  That's how the "virtual ticket system" knows if a METpke-issued EZ-PASS vehicle has exited the system. 

The former ticket system used to be in place all the way up to MM 109 at the north end of the turnpike, where there used to be a barrier (surrender ticket NB/pickup ticket SB).  At some point, the system was altered north of the Gray area, with the New Gloucester tolls being the new north end of the ticket system and I'm guessing at that time the Gardiner toll plaza was built.  This replaced the Augusta barrier.  The pre-existing barrier at Exit 103 (today's I-295, but then I-95) was changed to a flat rate toll.  Then later, the ticket system was abandoned in favor of fixed tolls at all barriers. 

At one point there was talk of getting rid of most of the (south of Exit 63) entrance tolls in favor of a new mainline barrier in the Saco area.  That would probably have caused the METpke-Issued EZ-PASS "virtual ticket" system to be eliminated.  Guess they voted against that idea.  Really makes me want to switch my EZ-PASS account to the Maine Turnpike, as I could get the in-state rate.  Right now I have a MassDOT-issued EZ-PASS and I get charged the out of state rate (I'm a CT resident), so there's really no benefit to having one through Mass (even though I probably use the MassPike more than the Maine Pike.

And if you don't like the $4 toll at York, you can always get off Exit 3 or 7 and take Route 1 up to Wells.  However, the slog through York, Ogonquit, Wells, etc may make the $4 seem like nothing in the end.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on August 25, 2023, 06:01:31 PM
Quote from: sturmde on August 25, 2023, 05:22:35 PM
Now, New Hampshire needs to do something quickly about the backups on I-95 at the Hampton Toll.  The weaving and folks slowing down is ridiculously dangerous.

NHDOT put an overlay on the toll plaza approach signs sometime in 2023, indicating that both Cash and E-ZPasses are accepted at the toll plaza (although it always has been since it opened in 2010 - it initially said just "Cash" ). Before this change, from 2019-2022, they put a message on portable VMSes saying "E-ZPass Lanes"  "OPEN AT TOLL PLAZA"  along with additional E-ZPass Only lanes on the peak direction.

I believe with NHDOTs eventual switch to AET, this may be a thing of the past, though I'm not sure when the Hampton, Bedford and Hookset plazas will be converted. So far the Spaulding AET conversion is active and the old plazas being dismantled.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: deathtopumpkins on August 28, 2023, 08:54:36 AM
Quote from: fwydriver405 on August 25, 2023, 06:01:31 PM
I believe with NHDOTs eventual switch to AET, this may be a thing of the past, though I'm not sure when the Hampton, Bedford and Hookset plazas will be converted. So far the Spaulding AET conversion is active and the old plazas being dismantled.

Bedford is supposed to be up next, which make sense, since it's the only remaining plaza without any ORT lanes. NHDOT's new online Project Center only seems to include selected projects though - the AET conversion was project Bedford 16100.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: jmacswimmer on August 28, 2023, 10:25:41 AM
Quote from: sturmde on August 25, 2023, 05:22:35 PM
Quote from: kramie13 on August 25, 2023, 04:05:33 PM
And worst of all, from Exit 7 (York) to Exit 19 (Wells), the toll is $4.00.  Why is this 12-mile stretch significantly more costly?

It's not 12-miles you're paying for... it's also everything from the bridge at Mile 0 to Exit 19.  No one coming in from out of state is exiting much at 7 and taking US 1 to Portland, and putting a tollbooth just past the bridge would create tremendous traffic backups... not unlike what the old drawbridge would do before 95 was finished.  Even in the "old days", the first toll booth was between Exit 3 and Exit 7.  Consider the toll also covered the huge improvement of the at-speed toll collection system.... MUCH better than the old Mile 8 tollbooths that backed up...

Looking at it from MeTA's perspective, you have to admit it kind of makes sense to put the highest toll not only in the busier (busiest?) portion of the highway, but also close to the New Hampshire line where all the out-of-state traffic from Boston & beyond pours into the state. When you combine this setup with the fact that MeTA only grants the virtual-ticket tolling to their own E-ZPass users, it's obvious their goal is to generate the bulk of their revenue from out-of-state.

I personally don't mind the $4 toll if I'm continuing thru to Portland & beyond (as I did back in May during a roadtrip to Portland & Bar Harbor/Acadia), but I would probably shunpike if I was going to be getting off at exits 19 or 25 anyway.

Quote from: sturmde on August 25, 2023, 05:22:35 PM
Now, New Hampshire needs to do something quickly about the backups on I-95 at the Hampton Toll.  The weaving and folks slowing down is ridiculously dangerous.

This is an interesting phenomenon that's started happening with some of the toll plazas that were first to add open-road tolling. Within the past year I've started to notice the same thing happening at the Delaware Turnpike toll plaza with rolling backups squeezing into the 2 ORT lanes while the 2 cash lanes are almost empty - presumably a victim of the ever-increasing popularity of E-ZPass compounded by adjacent states (MD & MA in this case) going all-electronic. It seems like it'll be an easier fix at Hampton compared to Newark, given the fact that DelDOT splits the cash & E-ZPass lanes a mile in advance on either side.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: kramie13 on September 06, 2023, 03:28:21 PM
So last week I took a trip up to Portland, ME and back.  I've noticed the exit signs along the Maine Turnpike/I-95 have been replaced since I last drove that stretch several years ago.

But why are exits 19, 25, and 32 all signed as "to US 1" now when they previously didn't before?  You now have 8 of the first 9 exits after crossing the NH border referencing US 1 (all but the exit for I-195).  It seems rather weird to me.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on September 06, 2023, 05:23:39 PM
Quote from: kramie13 on September 06, 2023, 03:28:21 PM
So last week I took a trip up to Portland, ME and back.  I've noticed the exit signs along the Maine Turnpike/I-95 have been replaced since I last drove that stretch several years ago.

But why are exits 19, 25, and 32 all signed as "to US 1" now when they previously didn't before?  You now have 8 of the first 9 exits after crossing the NH border referencing US 1 (all but the exit for I-195).  It seems rather weird to me.

I'm guessing because US-1 is a major artery paralleling the Turnpike with many businesses and attractions, and the state wants to remind folks that those exits can access US-1 relatively easily.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Rothman on September 06, 2023, 07:09:07 PM
kernals12, kramie13...next Massachusetts member will be...?
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on September 06, 2023, 07:56:09 PM
Quote from: Rothman on September 06, 2023, 07:09:07 PM
kernals12, kramie13...next Massachusetts member will be...?

lejlq14 if it's a sequence
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: hotdogPi on September 06, 2023, 08:22:52 PM
5foot14 is already from Massachusetts.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=14246
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on September 12, 2023, 11:02:34 PM
Maine Turnpike Approach Road renamed Samantha Smith Way:
http://www.mainesenate.org/committee-unanimously-approves-sen-carney-bill-to-rename-maine-turnpike-approach-road-honor-samantha-smiths-50th-birthday/
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/history/maine-road-renamed-to-honor-cold-war-peace-icon-samantha-smith-south-portland/97-0a7482b8-01f4-4cb0-b05e-cac0afbd2447
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on September 13, 2023, 09:03:34 AM
Quote from: yakra on September 12, 2023, 11:02:34 PM
Maine Turnpike Approach Road renamed Samantha Smith Way:
http://www.mainesenate.org/committee-unanimously-approves-sen-carney-bill-to-rename-maine-turnpike-approach-road-honor-samantha-smiths-50th-birthday/
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/history/maine-road-renamed-to-honor-cold-war-peace-icon-samantha-smith-south-portland/97-0a7482b8-01f4-4cb0-b05e-cac0afbd2447

Thankfully they used her full first name. Also kind of sad that someone questioned a Soviet leader then died in a plane crash. That seems to be a thing for some reason.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: fwydriver405 on September 13, 2023, 09:17:24 AM
Looks like MaineDOT and NHDOT is testing the part time breakdown lane travel, or as they call it "dynamic part-time shoulder use (PTSU)" nightly starting on 14 September 2023 on the Piscataqua River Bridge.

MaineDOT Press Release (https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=DOT_Press_Releases&id=11844227&v=article2015) / NHDOT Press Release (https://www.dot.nh.gov/news-and-media/dynamic-part-time-shoulder-use-system-testing-i-95-portsmouth-and-kittery) / Maine Turnpike Authority Press Release (https://www.maineturnpike.com/News/Recent-News/Dynamic-Part-Time-Shoulder-Use-System-Testing-on-I.aspx) (all three have the same text)

Informational flyer from MaineDOT / NHDOT / Maine Turnpike Authority (https://www.dot.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt811/files/inline-documents/hlb-ptsu-fact-sheet.pdf)

Quote from: MaineDOT - News Release for September 11, 2023Dynamic Part-Time Shoulder Use System Testing on I-95 in Portsmouth and Kittery
KITTERY - This week, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), in partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA), will begin testing the messaging components for the new dynamic part-time shoulder use (PTSU) system that was recently installed on I-95 between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine. This system was developed to help relieve congestion during peak traffic times on the I-95 Piscataqua River Bridge between the two states. Testing is scheduled to begin at night on Thursday, September 14th.

Nighttime shoulder closures, both northbound and southbound, will occur intermittently over the next several weeks for final system testing. Motorists will see the system's messaging components (beacons and lane use signals) turn on and off at various times during the testing. Message boards will be utilized to alert travelers that tests are being performed. The shoulder lanes will remain closed to through traffic and should only be used for emergencies. A final press release will announce the date the system will become operational for motorists.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on September 13, 2023, 09:24:07 AM
More on Samantha Smith:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mobituaries-samantha-smith-americas-littlest-diplomat/
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 13, 2023, 11:30:58 AM
Google Maps has been updated to show the newly renamed Samantha Smith Way: https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6284676,-70.3287604,1703m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Stephane Dumas on September 25, 2023, 05:29:01 PM
Speaking of Google maps, GSV show the construction work on Maine Tpk at ME-112 taken last July. https://maps.app.goo.gl/AsSQGmrcag72nTJz5
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Dougtone on October 14, 2023, 12:08:39 AM
Thanks to some good old ingenuity, the Bailey Island Bridge connecting Bailey Island with Orr's Island along ME 24 in Harpswell, Maine is one of a kind. It is said to be the only bridge in the world built using granite slabs and constructed in a cribstone pattern, allowing for the free movement of tides.

https://www.gribblenation.org/2023/10/bailey-island-bridge-cribstone-bridge.html (https://www.gribblenation.org/2023/10/bailey-island-bridge-cribstone-bridge.html)
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on January 21, 2024, 12:38:46 AM
I-395 / Future ME9 connector

News ahticle bub:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhzHF_dLTaQ

Friggin' drone footage, guy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5LdLoyuXOk
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: yakra on February 07, 2024, 07:39:28 PM
https://wgme.com/news/local/i-95-connector-from-south-portland-to-gorham-taking-the-next-step
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on February 07, 2024, 08:39:26 PM
Quote from: yakra on February 07, 2024, 07:39:28 PM
https://wgme.com/news/local/i-95-connector-from-south-portland-to-gorham-taking-the-next-step
West of the Turnpike: freeway
East of the Turnpike: freeway
At the Turnpike: diamond

Yeah, that's unfortunate.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on February 07, 2024, 09:42:29 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 07, 2024, 08:39:26 PM
Quote from: yakra on February 07, 2024, 07:39:28 PM
https://wgme.com/news/local/i-95-connector-from-south-portland-to-gorham-taking-the-next-step
West of the Turnpike: freetollway

FTFY.  And given the expected traffic volumes, I don't really see a diamond at 95 being a major issue.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: pderocco on February 07, 2024, 10:51:25 PM
Maybe a good spot for a diverging diamond.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: The Ghostbuster on February 08, 2024, 11:06:34 AM
Will this connector be an extension of ME 112 or an extension of ME 703? If it is the former, maybe 703 could be renumbered as a further extension of ME 112.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 12:47:45 PM
From the I-11 thread:
Quote from: pderocco on February 07, 2024, 10:57:59 PM
I those days, when you didn't need a passport, I suppose there was little need for I-95 to go from Houlton to Fort Kent, since you could always take route 2 in Canada.
Given how sparse it is, is there really a need for it to go there anyway?  I could see maybe Van Buren if you want to serve Presque Isle and Caribou, given that Van Buren is where US 1 turns off itself (the road goes straight into Canada and turns into NB 17).  I'm not really sure why US 1 went to Fort Kent to begin with, unless someone said "I want it to go to the top of Maine", realized that most of the roadway between Fort Kent and Estcourt is private logging roads, and then ended it at the bridge to the connecting roads to Estcourt through New Brunswick and Québec.

From this thread:
Quote from: froggie on February 07, 2024, 09:42:29 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 07, 2024, 08:39:26 PM
Quote from: yakra on February 07, 2024, 07:39:28 PM
https://wgme.com/news/local/i-95-connector-from-south-portland-to-gorham-taking-the-next-step
West of the Turnpike: freetollway

FTFY.  And given the expected traffic volumes, I don't really see a diamond at 95 being a major issue.
"Freeway" as in the term for limited access highways where access is provided at interchanges instead of at-grades (the FHWA version of the term).  Not "free" as in "free beer".
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: SectorZ on February 08, 2024, 01:02:49 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on February 08, 2024, 11:06:34 AM
Will this connector be an extension of ME 112 or an extension of ME 703? If it is the former, maybe 703 could be renumbered as a further extension of ME 112.

I hope it's not a 112 extension because the directionality is already wrecked. You'd be going "south" on 112 from I-95 while going northwest to Gorham. Maybe they can give the new road a new number, re-number the Gorham bypass part of 112 with that number and end ME 112 at ME 25. Maybe call it 114 and give renumber the existing parallel 114 stretch to 114A, but then you would need a small non-freeway/expressway stretch of 114 to go back to Gorham center, so perhaps a unique and new number would be best.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: froggie on February 08, 2024, 01:44:37 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 08, 2024, 12:47:45 PM
Quote from: froggie on February 07, 2024, 09:42:29 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 07, 2024, 08:39:26 PM
Quote from: yakra on February 07, 2024, 07:39:28 PM
https://wgme.com/news/local/i-95-connector-from-south-portland-to-gorham-taking-the-next-step
West of the Turnpike: freetollway

FTFY.  And given the expected traffic volumes, I don't really see a diamond at 95 being a major issue.
"Freeway" as in the term for limited access highways where access is provided at interchanges instead of at-grades (the FHWA version of the term).  Not "free" as in "free beer".

You missed the point.

Quote from: SectorZ on February 08, 2024, 01:02:49 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on February 08, 2024, 11:06:34 AM
Will this connector be an extension of ME 112 or an extension of ME 703? If it is the former, maybe 703 could be renumbered as a further extension of ME 112.

I hope it's not a 112 extension because the directionality is already wrecked. You'd be going "south" on 112 from I-95 while going northwest to Gorham. Maybe they can give the new road a new number, re-number the Gorham bypass part of 112 with that number and end ME 112 at ME 25. Maybe call it 114 and give renumber the existing parallel 114 stretch to 114A, but then you would need a small non-freeway/expressway stretch of 114 to go back to Gorham center, so perhaps a unique and new number would be best.

Or, alternatively, give it its own route number...there are numerous ones to choose from.  When I conceptualized the connector (https://flic.kr/p/iWFTn6) a decade ago (based on proposals/ studies at the time), I borrowed from yakra and gave the whole corridor (Gorham Bypass-connector-Scarborough) the ME 20 moniker.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: kramie13 on February 26, 2024, 03:29:32 PM
Today I learned that there is a hotel in Saco called the "Exit 5 Motel & Cottages".  But to get there, you are taking Exit 2A off of I-195.

I do remember the first time I visited Maine, back in 1995, the exit for I-195 from I-95 was Exit 5.  Is the hotel's name a remnant of sequential exit numbering in Maine?  I'm surprised they haven't renamed themselves since the mileage-based renumbering occurred twenty years ago!
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: shadyjay on February 26, 2024, 08:19:47 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 08, 2024, 01:02:49 PM
I hope it's not a 112 extension because the directionality is already wrecked. You'd be going "south" on 112 from I-95 while going northwest to Gorham.

There are A LOT of places in Maine where the directionality is whacked.  I can't tell you how many roads I've been on in southern Maine where I'm going NORTH and SOUTH at the same time!  I've been turned-around more times in Maine than any other state.  And sometimes, you get turned around so much, you don't have any directionality whatsover... just a ROUTE.
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.3633594,-68.3070925,3a,15y,172.72h,89.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJNYo_ValHRUWL4QOmdjQeg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: Rothman on February 26, 2024, 11:48:30 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on February 26, 2024, 08:19:47 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 08, 2024, 01:02:49 PM
I hope it's not a 112 extension because the directionality is already wrecked. You'd be going "south" on 112 from I-95 while going northwest to Gorham.

There are A LOT of places in Maine where the directionality is whacked.  I can't tell you how many roads I've been on in southern Maine where I'm going NORTH and SOUTH at the same time!  I've been turned-around more times in Maine than any other state.  And sometimes, you get turned around so much, you don't have any directionality whatsover... just a ROUTE.
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.3633594,-68.3070925,3a,15y,172.72h,89.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJNYo_ValHRUWL4QOmdjQeg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu
When you're on an island and there's only one way off, directions become simpler.
Title: Re: Maine
Post by: bmitchelf on February 28, 2024, 03:14:24 PM
Quote from: kramie13 on February 26, 2024, 03:29:32 PM
Today I learned that there is a hotel in Saco called the "Exit 5 Motel & Cottages".  But to get there, you are taking Exit 2A off of I-195.

I do remember the first time I visited Maine, back in 1995, the exit for I-195 from I-95 was Exit 5.  Is the hotel's name a remnant of sequential exit numbering in Maine?  I'm surprised they haven't renamed themselves since the mileage-based renumbering occurred twenty years ago!

Looks like they've only been in business for 20 years. I think it's just that they're located on route 5 just off the exit, even though the signs on the highway going east say go straight for route 5.