News

Bypass construction to begin
The bids are back
By Elizabeth Prata

Augusta--The bids were sent out and they were due last Wednesday, the award was given, a work schedule developed. What this adds up to is groundbreaking for the long-awaited Gray Bypass is expected will begin this March.

Shaw Brothers was awarded the bid by the Department of Transportation, said Project Manager Guy Whittington. The bid came in at 9% under budget, for a total of $7,091,000.

Left, the rendering provided by DOT. North is at top. The clover is at bottom. Drivers will exit left from the Turnpike toll booth, proceed about 1/4 mile, and take a right onto the Bypass proper.The yellow, represents the Bypass.

The project is located on Route 202 in Cumberland County in Gray at exit 63 of the ME Turnpike. The project includes the new connector from Rte. 202 extending 1.33 mi. to intersect with Route 26. The project also includes bridge widening of Route 202 over Maine Turnpike.

The finalities of the pre-construction period will begin this week with setting up insurances and convening a construction meeting with Shaw Brothers. A work schedule will be developed this week and perhaps, Mr. Whittington said, the public may see some minor work beginning before March, such as signage or pole re-location.

The first real construction the public is likely to see is pole setting for the bridge widening. Shaw Brothers will likely begin that first, in March, along with the earth work.

Mr. Whittington said that construction is expected to take two full seasons, 2006 and construction season 2007 before the project will be completed.
The Bypass is designed to divert traffic away from the constricted Gray Center to a high mobility road around the Village and exiting on Route 26 just north of the Turnpike overpass, a mile north of Gray Village.

Below, the Clover at Gray exit 63. Gary Foster photo