AUGUSTA — The Maine Highway Safety Commission has voted to support expansion of the Maine Turnpike, according to Joan Pendexter, co-chairman of the commission.

Pendexter said that the commission was asked to join the Maine Committee for Revitalization of the Maine Turnpike, a coalition of safety organizations who support expansion of the toll road from Wells to Scarborough.

“We are endorsing this project from a safety standpoint because our membership feels that a third lane will relieve the unsafe overcrowding that currently exists,” Pendexter said.

The commission is composed of 31 members appointed by the governor.