Staff Writer
CASTLE HILL — Travelers the county in coming weeks may be faced with delays in getting to their destinations, as summer road work heats up, with one of the first projects slated for a section of Route 163.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ROAD WORK IS HEATING UP in the county, projects put on hold for the winter kick into high gear as the snow melts and the frost leaves the ground. But have you ever wondered how road repairs are performed when colder temperatures prevent optimal conditions for asphalt work to take place? Here, a crew from McGillan Construction, of Fort Fairfield, work near the entrance of ACAP in Presque Isle, using propane torches to heat up patch material, making it easier to spread and fill cracks, earlier this spring.
Crews, under the supervision of the Maine Department of Transportation, began a repaving project along Route 163 in Castle Hill on Monday. Motorists will be limited to one-way, alternating traffic during the construction period.
According to a DOT press release, crews will be “grading the side slopes, improving drainage, installing guardrail and repaving this 2.81-mile section of Route 163.”
Road construction will begin at the T11 R4 town line and extend northeasterly 2.8 miles. Soderberg Construction, of Caribou, will be conducting the work.
Larger vehicles are encouraged to seek an alternate route between Mapleton and Ashland. Commercial vehicles are encouraged to use Route 227 as an alternate route. If construction goes as planned, work should be completed by the first week of November.
Motorists are encouraged to reduce their speed and drive safely through the work zone. Travelers should also allow ample time to reach your destination, taking into consideration construction delays along the way.
