PORTLAND — The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing Route 1/Veranda Street under I-295 in Portland on Monday, April 18, 2022, at 2 p.m. The road will remain closed for one week to accommodate bridge replacement work on I-295. Route 1/Veranda Street is scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 25, at 2 p.m.

The Route 1/Veranda Street closure is part of the project that will involve the full closure of I-295 between Exits 9 and 10. That interstate closure is scheduled from 7 p.m. on Friday, April 22, to 11 a.m. on Monday, April 25.

“During the weekend interstate closure, crews will rapidly demolish the old bridge and move the new bridge into place using Self-propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs)” said MDOT, in a news release.

This project is using Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC). This technique will replace the aging interstate bridge and limit interstate traffic disruptions to only a few days compared to three or four years using conventional bridge replacement methods.

“We know this period will be extremely disruptive to residents and travelers, and we thank them for their patience and understanding while we complete this important work,” said MDOT.

Members of the traveling public should avoid this area during this period if possible, especially during the interstate closure weekend, according to the release. Those who must travel during the closure should expect major delays.

Detour maps are available on www.verandaplan.org. That site also has a live camera feed of the project.

“This will be the best view of the work,” said the release. “We are asking the public not to visit the site during the construction process.”

Beginning the week of May 2, there will be overnight lane and ramp closures while crews and contracting partners complete this project.