Ongoing roadway construction in Eddington raises concerns for some locals
EDDINGTON — Ongoing roadway construction in Eddington has led to frustrations for some.
The Maine Department of Transportation is building a new bridge in Eddington as the latest step in the I-395/Route 9 Connector Project, a six-mile stretch of highway that will run between Brewer and Eddington.
Starting January 9, all Clewleyville Road traffic will be redirected to Levenseller Road and Nolan Road.
According to Damien Vellieux, a spokesperson for the Maine DOT, this detour will remain in place for the next year.
“There are signs posted to alert drivers, and that detour is expected to be in place for most of 2023 while bridge work — while the excavation is done and the construction is ongoing,” said Vellieux.
While locals say they are frustrated by this change, Eddington resident James McDonald says he is more upset by the addition of the highway itself.
“I was against it from day one,” said McDonald. “I gave up a long time ago… there’s nothing you can do about it — you either accept it or you don’t.”
For other residents, the potential noise that will come from the new roadway is a significant concern.
Patrick Cote, who lives only a few hundred feet from the current bridge construction, says he’s waiting to find out if the sound of the vehicles will be too much to tolerate.
“If it gets too bad, this house is going up for sale,” said Cote. “I’m out of here, I’m going further in the woods.”
The roadway was contracted by the Sargent corporation for nearly $85 million.
According to the Maine DOT, the new connector will provide locals with greater mobility and ease of access to the Bangor/Brewer area.
Veilleux says the road has been under construction since January of 2022, and is already halfway done. However, the department does not expect the highway to be completely finished until 2025.
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