Maine’s newest E-ZPass Open Road Tolling (ORT) facility at Exit 44 on the Maine Turnpike is now open in Scarborough.
The new toll is located just north of the former toll plaza and southerly of Exit 1 on I-295. It includes four ORT lanes (two in each direction). These provide E-ZPass customers the convenience of cruising through at highway speeds while sensors collect the toll electronically. Those who prefer to pay cash may do so safely by pulling to the right to pay at staffed toll booths.
“This new ORT plaza, the fourth on the Maine Turnpike, is among the high technology improvements that, step by step, will bring Maine’s most vital highway up to par with the most sophisticated highway systems in the country,” said Peter Mills, MTA Executive Director.
The $17.5 million project, awarded to Reed and Reed of Woolwich, Maine, began construction in the spring of 2017. While motorists have been driving under the gantries for months during completion of the adjoining cash plazas, MTA began collecting tolls at the new facility at 12:01 AM on Tuesday morning.
Although the new facility is now open, construction will continue as crews demolish the old toll. Demolition will take place at night during the week of June 17, 2019. MTA plans to close Exit 44 on the following schedule in order to complete the demolition:
- Monday, June 17, 2019 – from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM
- Tuesday, June 18, 2019 – from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM
- Wednesday, June 19, 2019 – from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM
- Thursday, June 20, 2019 – from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM
During the closures numerous variable message boards and detour signs will alert drivers. The proposed detour routes are as follows:
Northbound I-95 traffic that would normally get off at Exit 44 will be directed to continue on I-95, get off at Exit 45 and then go east on Route 703 to get to I-295 northbound.
Southbound I-295 traffic will be directed to get off at Exit 1 and then take Route 703 to get to I-95 southbound on the Turnpike.
ORT significantly improves motorist safety with improved traffic flow and a reduced risk of rear-end collisions. The technology eliminates delays and thus produces environmental benefits by reducing air emissions.
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