SOUTH PORTLAND – A new ramp onto Interstate 295 has opened to traffic in the Maine Mall area.

The ramp entering Interstate 295 northbound at exit 3 in South Portland eliminates the need for cars traveling away from the mall on Westbrook Street to make a left turn to get on the highway near the intersection with Broadway.

Instead, cars are now directed right onto Broadway, where they make a 180-degree turn and cross over a new overpass before entering the highway.

The $5.6 million project has been in the works since October 2005.