Maine DOT Working to Improve Safety on Route 1A in Holden

Anyone who drives between Ellsworth and Brewer knows that the area on Route 1A in Holden is a stretch where quite a few accidents occur. To that extent the Maine Department of Transportation will be making improvements to hopefully reduce the number of accidents by adding a two-way left-hand turn lane along two stretches of the road

Crashes have been happening in this area when drivers slow down to make left-hand turns and are hit from behind by drivers who are distracted, impaired, or unaware of slowing traffic. The goal of adding a center lane for left-hand turns is to reduce the frequency and severity of such crashes. The work being done will also help preserve the pavement.

There are two work areas on this project. One begins 1 mile east of Charles Drive and extends east for 1 mile to Copeland Hill Road. The other begins a half-mile southeast of Debeck Road and extends southeasterly for three-quarters of a mile to Copeland Hill Road.

Work will begin at 7:00 p.m. on July 21st. All work will be done between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Drivers should expect traffic to be reduced to one lane during work hours. The anticipated completion date of this project is September 19th.

The contractor on this job is Pike Industries of Fairfield.