Bar Harbor Route 3 Reconstruction To Begin January 9th

Today, the Maine Department of Transportation announced details about the two and a half year, $17.9 million project, that will span from a point 0.57 miles west of Sand Point Road to the intersection of Route 3/Eden Street and Route 233 in Bar Harbor.

Preliminary work along with signage has already been placed along the 4.8 mile route of construction, and work will officially begin on Monday, January 9th, according to a press release from the MDOT.  Initial work will include the clearing of trees, plus utility and drainage improvements.

The work will continue year round until the Spring of 2019.

The press release states that "Continuous one-way loop detours have been designed to keep traffic flowing and to expedite the work. Detours will occur during certain phases of the project, as work progresses south towards Bar Harbor. Detour routes will include Crooked Road and Paradise Hill Road. Additionally, Route 233/Eagle Lake Road and Route 3/198 to Route 102 will be established as an alternate route and truck route. Ample signage will inform and guide drivers."

Prior meetings between the MDOT, town officials, residents and business owners produced the following mission statement:  “To provide a safe, efficient and aesthetically pleasing transportation corridor that encourages multiple uses and maintains or enhances the historic standards representative of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.”

Officials with The Maine Department of Transportation will hold an "Informational Open House" on Wednesday, January 4th, between 6 and 8PM at the Bar Harbor Town Office on Cottage Street to discuss the reconstruction schedule.  Further information can be found HERE!

MaineDOT Senior Project Manager Rhobe Moulton stated, “Through April 2017, Route 3 will remain open in both directions as clearing, utility and drainage work is being done. As we move into summer and fall, our contractors will be working primarily on the north end of the project span, on Route 3 between Sand Point Road and Crooked Road. Throughout the year, as needed we will be implementing a continuous one-way loop detour using Crooked Road. We will have lots of signage, temporary traffic signals and will be providing updates so residents and visitors will have the information they’ll need.”

When complete, the project will result in:

• Paved shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians
• Some new sidewalks, and sidewalk improvements to meet ADA standards
• Safer crossings, with electronic crossing signs
• New multi-use path along part of the project span
• Where possible, 3-foot wide esplanade between sidewalk/multi-use path and the road
• New bus turnouts
• New rock catchment area along the bluffs
• Upgraded intersection of Mt Desert St. and West St.
• Improved drainage and runoff management
• New road surface and striping

Monitor the status of the Bar Harbor Route 3 reconstruction process at the MDOT website, where you can also sign up for email alerts.