Traffic in the area of the Broadway Bridge in Bangor will get a little trickier this week, as crews get ready for the final phases of the bridge replacement project.

What And When Will This All Happen?

According ot the Maine Department of Transportation, crews will be working on shoulder reconstruction along with milling and pavement in the southbound area of I-95 near Broadway beginning on Friday, October 16th and running through the weekend.

This means the traffic pattern will be changing to accommodate the work, so motorists are asked to use caution and be aware.

How Will The Work Impact Travel?

Officials with the Maine DOT say the work will be done in phases, in order to prepare for the transition from the temporary bridge to the new permanent one.

Phase 1:

"The southbound high-speed lane will be closed to traffic while crews complete milling and paving at both ends of that lane."

We're told the southbound travel lanes will stay open, along with the on and off ramps in the area, so motorists will still have access to those avenues.

Phase 2:

"The southbound high-speed lane will be opened to traffic across the new bridge. The southbound travel lane and the Exit 185 southbound off-ramp will be closed while crews complete excavation, milling, and paving at the north end of the travel lane and ramp."

Read More: Maine Fall Fun: Take Amtrak to Celtics & Bruins Games

During that time, drivers should follow the signs for the detour, which will take them to the Stillwater Exit (186) and down Stillwater Ave to Broadway, so they can bypass all of the work.

Phase 3

Once crews have completed the milling, paving, and excavation, they will start Phase 3 by reopening the Exit 185 southbound off-ramp.

"The southbound high-speed lane will remain open to traffic across the new bridge, and the southbound travel lane will remain closed."

Read More: Llewellyn Estes Bridge Removal Work Begins In Old Town

They may have to close the on-ramp temporarily to finish up work on the ends of the ramp and travel lane.

If that happens, motorists will be detoured down Broadway to Stillwater Ave and will have access to the interstate via the on-ramp at Exit 186.

Phase 4:

All of the new southbound lanes and ramps will open across the new bridge.

Get our free mobile app

The Maine DOT says they will have plenty of message boards, signs, and cones around the area, letting folks know of the upcoming transitions and helping to guide them through the changes.

If we all just slow down, stay alert, exercise a little patience and understanding, and cooperate with the changes, knowing they're important and necessary, we'll all hopefully get through this weekend without incident.

The Broadway Bridge Project broke ground in 2023 and is scheduled to officially wrap up by the end of this year.