Bridge work may delay traffic in Presque Isle
Staff Writer
UNDER CONSTRUCTION — The bridge over the Presque Isle Stream along Route 163 — the Connector Road — in Presque Isle is undergoing a facelift. DOT crews began work April 26, with work expected to last up to six weeks. A temporary traffic light system has been installed and travel has been limited to one-way traffic, controlled by the lights. Motorists are asked to drive cautiously through the construction zone, for their own safety and that of the construction crew.
PRESQUE ISLE —Construction season is here and the Maine Department of Transportation is busy upgrading the Route 163 bridge on what is more commonly known as the Connector Road here in the Star City.
According to the DOT, motorists who use Route 163 in Presque Isle may experience short delays bridge maintenance crews are repairing a section of the Presque Isle Stream bridge. Work began on the project April 26. The bridge carries Route 163 over the Presque Isle Stream just east of Route 1.
Work will include crews removing the current bridge surface, then replacing it, one lane at a time. The construction is expected to take up to six weeks. During the bridge surface removal project, travelers will be limited to one-way alternating traffic, regulated by temporary signal lights.
The Presque Isle Police Department has received at least two complaints of motorists not heeding the light system. One driver reportedly motioned to his watch as he ran the red light in what was believed to be a gesture indicating he did so because he was late. Police urge motorists to abide by the light system, moving through the construction site on the green light only and doing so slowly, while watching for construction crews when in motion. The red lights are there for the safety of motorists as well as crews working on the bridge. Running the light could result in a motor vehicle collision or injury to a construction worker.
Police advise motorists to seek an alternate route whenever possible to avoid delays at construction sites and allow ample time to reach their destination if you have to travel roads that are under repair.
CREWS BEGAN WORK on the Route 163 bridge over the Presque Isle Stream in April, with work expected to be completed by June. Here, maintenance staff with the Maine Department of Transportation take measurements on a portion of the bridge.
