The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will begin the $77.9 million Phase II of the Presque Isle bypass project today.
“With work now beginning on the ground, the project marks a significant step toward improving the reliability of this important transportation corridor and supporting the long-term economic vitality of northern Maine,” MaineDOT stated.
The Presque Isle Bypass Project will improve mobility and safety by providing an alternative route for through traffic traveling around downtown Presque Isle.
MaineDOT, the city of Presque Isle and regional partners planned and collaborated on the project. For several years, transportation officials and community and business leaders have discussed the need for a bypass that would reduce congestion in the city center while improving the movement of commercial traffic throughout the region.
Today’s work will take place slightly more than half-a-mile south of the Presque Isle/Westfield town line and will move north. The prime contractor and sub-contractor clear trees on the roadway alignment throughout March and April. Motorists can expect no impacts to traffic.
Phase II will construct 6.17 miles of roadway and four bridges and will install five large box culverts. A new interchange will connect with Phase 1.
Work is expected to be complete by fall 2029.