MaineDOT works to assess and repair Dec. 18 storm damage; urges patience of the significant infrastructure damage
Similar scenes around the state reveal the effects of runoff after a powerful Dec. 18 wind and rain storm. (Photo by Sarah Thompson)
Not a MaineDOT project. JBI construction workers repair the Breakwater trail that runs from the parking lot to the granite walkway in Rockland, Dec. 19. Crews expect to be there for several days. (Photo by Sarah Thompson)
(Photo by Sarah Thompson)
(Photo by Sarah Thompson)
(Photo by Sarah Thompson)
(Photo by Sarah Thompson)
(Photo by Sarah Thompson)
Similar scenes around the state reveal the effects of runoff after a powerful Dec. 18 wind and rain storm. (Photo by Sarah Thompson)
Not a MaineDOT project. JBI construction workers repair the Breakwater trail that runs from the parking lot to the granite walkway in Rockland, Dec. 19. Crews expect to be there for several days. (Photo by Sarah Thompson)
(Photo by Sarah Thompson)
(Photo by Sarah Thompson)
(Photo by Sarah Thompson)
(Photo by Sarah Thompson)
(Photo by Sarah Thompson)
In coordination with the Maine Emergency Management Agency and other public safety officials, the Maine Department of Transportation is working to assess and repair damage caused by yesterday's rain and wind. As of early this afternoon, there are nearly 100 state road closures in Maine due to downed trees and power lines, flooding, and significant infrastructure damage, according to MDOT, in a news release.
Although all Maine counties have been impacted by this storm, Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, and Kennebec counties are currently experiencing more than half of the road closures. In particular, roads and bridges near the Sandy, Swift, Carrabassett, Kennebec, and Androscoggin Rivers (and their tributaries) are seeing high water levels resulting in damage and closures.
MaineDOT has closed almost three dozen bridges statewide due to high and fast-running water. For example, at approximately 11 a.m. today, MaineDOT closed the Frank J. Wood Bridge, which carries Route 201 over the Androscoggin River between Brunswick and Topsham. Commercial vehicles had already been prohibited from using the bridge. There is an active construction project for the replacement of this bridge.
“This storm is not expected to have any significant impacts on that project,” said the release. “Most of today's bridge closures represent precautionary measures, but a few are due to apparent structural damage.”
Inspections and damage assessments are dynamic and cannot be completed until the water recedes, which is expected over the next day or two. Further, many areas cannot be safely accessed by road crews until power lines have been secured.
“The best way the public can help is to avoid unnecessary travel in areas known to be affected,” said MDOT. “The best source for information on road closures continues to be newengland511.org, which is continuously updated. If you must travel, please allow yourself extra time, and never drive through standing water. Finally, MaineDOT asks for patience and understanding as crews work to repair damaged infrastructure.”
