TOPSHAM

The Maine Department of Transportation reminds drivers it is lowering the speed limit today on Interstate 295 from Falmouth to Topsham from 70 to 65 mph.

Since the speed limit increase in 2014 from 65 mph to 70 mph, data shows that I-295 crashes increased by 29 percent in a two-year span between the year before (June 2013-May 2014) and the year after (June 2015-May 2016). During that same time period, traffic volumes increased by 6.4 percent.

“It’s important to note, that while an increase in traffic volume on I-295 has led to more crashes, speed and driver distraction are also major factors,” said MDOT Chief Engineer Joyce Taylor, in a written statement. “By lowering the speed limit, we hope to allow drivers more reaction time to any event that may occur on the highway.”

The speed limit change will occur today, weather permitting. Additionally, all physical speed signs will be replaced on the highway by the end of March.

As MaineDOT and other cooperating agencies study the I-295 corridor, future capital investments are identified in the Wok Plan for 2017-2019 that include:

• Replacement of 25 variable message signs between exits enabling instantaneous and improved communication regarding incidents from weather, crashes, Amber Alerts, etc.

• Replacement of 25 variable message signs between exits enabling instantaneous and improved communication regarding incidents from weather, crashes, Amber Alerts, etc.

• A technical update of the prior I-295 Corridor Study to identify and prioritize additional improvements based on updated and forecasted traffic volumes and crashes.

• Traffic signal with turn lanes at Interstate 295 / Bucknam Road in Falmouth.

• Evaluation for new southbound access at Exit 4.

• Lighting replacement at Exit 22 northbound.

• Traffic signal at the intersection of Route 1 and exit 17 northbound off-ramp.