Maine DOT Replacing Two 65-Year-Old Bridges Over I-295 in Freeport

Two bridges that pass over I-295 in Freeport that were constructed in 1957 when I-295 was built, are being replaced and you may see some construction delays.

The Maine Department of Transportation began construction to replace the bridges at exits 20 and 22 of I-295 in Freeport earlier this year, a project that will take about four years to complete. Now they're at a stage in construction where closures will be necessary.

The two bridges carry Desert Road and Mallet Drive, which is Route 125 and Route 136, across I-295 and if you drive under these on the highway, you can see why they need replacement. After all, they've been there for 65 years.

The new bridges will have a 12-foot-wide multi-use path that will connect to paths the town of Freeport is planning to build. Traffic lights are also being installed at the end of the exit ramps, which are very much needed if you've ever been on the southbound exit ramp to Desert Road during a shift change at the nearby L.L. Bean warehouse and tried to turn left.

Depending on when you travel, you will run into some lane and road closures during the construction period. There's no set schedule but, there could be full closures of I-295 between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. for 25 minutes or less at a time. Single lane closures could happen anytime during the night and exit ramp closures could happen between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Desert Road and Mallett Drive may occasionally be down to one lane.

Get used to it. This is a long project with a projected completion date at the end of 2025.