Some Serious Progress is Being Made on the New I-395 Connector

A year ago, this was all a big field.

Sure, we could make arguments about progress vs. preservation, but it's all over but the shouting at this point. The connector that will join 395 with Route 9 is taking shape. I can totally understand why folks aren't psyched about a highway running through their back yard. I even have a cousin who lives 500 feet away from where a section will pass.

On the other hand, every time I drive out to camp, I find myself longing for the project to be finished. Having this new stretch of road will reduce my travel time to my camp in Eddington by probably ten minutes. Not to mention, it'll give Canadians super quick access to Route 1A, which ultimately means more tourists to Bar Harbor.

Truckers will benefit the most. As will people on Route 46.

One of the biggest reasons the connector is being built, is to not only give truckers a quicker way to get to Route 9, but also to alleviate a ton of the 18-wheeler traffic on Route 46. Big trucks go flying down that road day and night, and this will give truckers another, quicker pathway to the highway.

Progress is flying right along. I drive by it quite a bit when I head out to camp. All of a sudden, the work seemed to make a quantum leap. What was a rough, tree covered area, is now starting to look like an actual road.

Here's a shot from Eastern Ave. in Holden, looking towards Lambert Road... This was still woods a few months ago.

Folks on Davis and Holbrook Ponds may also enjoy some quieter times. Route 46 runs right between both lakes, so with less big rigs on Route 46, it should make it a bit quieter on the lakes. There will will still be some noise, but much less than there is now. But I imagine there will be much rejoicing among residents in those areas.

These are some bridge pilons being installed to pass over Lambert Rd. in Brewer.

Obviously, not everyone is pleased, but it is indeed progress. There were definitely families who were beyond inconvenienced by all this, but the amount of convenience it will add, will outweigh those impacted. Time will tell, but right now, I'm looking forward to a much shorter trip out to the lake.

TRAFFIC ISN'T GOOD EVERYWHERE, THOUGH. HERE'S PROOF...