TRAFFIC ADVISORY: I-95 Bridge Construction Resumes in Hampden

Drivers will want to be prepared for lane shifts as roadwork on I-95 in Hampden resumes tonight, after an industrial accident caused a delay.

Traffic disruptions were supposed to start on Wednesday for the project that will replace eight bridges and rehabilitate one along a four-mile stretch of highway between exits 174 and 180. But an industrial accident on Tuesday involving a subcontractor put the project on hold. 50-year-old Eric Jabbasch of Turner sustained critical injuries when he was pinned by several steel sheet pilings that fell off a truck as they were being unloaded. The construction was shut down while the main contractor, Cianbro, investigated the site's safety protocols.

Now the Maine DOT says construction is set to resume tonight, Friday, July 24th. Northbound traffic will be rerouted into the median through the work zone that's currently located at the East Bridge over the Soudabscook Stream in Hampden. It's the first of four temporary diversion roadways that will be used, as each bridge is replaced.

Drivers will need to slow down, as speed limits will be reduced to 55 MPH throughout the project. In addition, the Maine Department of Transportation is asking that motorists pay attention, drive carefully, and observe the signage, in case any last-minute changes need to be made. For now, the disruptions will only affect northbound traffic. Crews will move to the southbound bridges next year.

Cianbro Corporation estimates the $44.8 million dollar Hampden Bridge Bunde Project will be completed in late November of 2022.