Exit 15 Yarmouth to Reopen Monday

Yarmouth, Maine - MaineDOT has announced that highway construction crews plan to reopen Interstate 295 northbound Exit 15 and unveil a new northbound on-ramp on Monday, July 1 after several months of intensive highway improvements and new construction.

Work began at the busy Yarmouth interchange in early March, and motorists have had to access Route 1 in Yarmouth via I-295 Exit 10 in Falmouth or Exit 17 in Yarmouth.

The reopening of the northbound exit marks a critical point in the schedule comprising a number of different goals within the Exit 15 project.

"Our first priority for the Exit 15 interchange was to close northbound Exit 15, which would help us complete that portion of the job quickly and safely, and be back open in time for the Yarmouth Clam Festival," said Ted Talbot, MaineDOT Director of Communications. "Being back open before the Fourth of July is a win-win result for everyone."

The new northbound on-ramp will make I-295 travel more convenient for thousands of residents and visitors and also reduce traffic along Yarmouth's Route 1 corridor.

While completion of the Exit 15 components is a measurable sign of progress, construction will continue at the interchange through the summer.

Central to the project is the construction of a new 300-vehicle Park & Ride commuter lot accessible from Route 1, which will encourage commuters and others to carpool, traveling together in fewer cars, and help reduce highway congestion, fuel expenses, and emissions.

Other improvements still under way include relocating the I-295 southbound entrance and on-ramp to make it easier and safer for entering traffic to merge with highway traffic. Construction crews will also make off-ramp adjustments at Exit 15 Southbound.

Motorists are cautioned that construction crews are still at work within the project area and work zone speed limits are still in place. MaineDOT estimates that all of the interchange improvements will be completed, weather -permitting, by November.

MaineDOT appreciates the patience of all drivers during this construction period, and also asks motorists to travel safely through all work zones.