I-95 bridge painting to disrupt traffic

Repainting of the overpasses carrying northbound and southbound traffic on Interstate 95 over the eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 395 will take place on Monday, May 9, according to the Maine Department of Transportation. The project is expected to disrupt traffic.

Earlier this year, DOT replaced a beam that was damaged when an overheight load struck the southbound I-95 overpass. The beam needs to have an additional coat of paint put on it. The other bridges will be repainted at the same time. The old paint contains lead and will be removed with special precautions taken. The steel then will be painted with a moisture-cured urethane.

To make room for equipment and workers, the I-95 passing lanes will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic will be funneled to a single lane in each direction. I-395 traffic will have lane closures. The project will take about 12 weeks to complete.