Traffic Advisory: U-Maine Graduation Will Increase I-95 Traffic

The University of Maine will hold graduation ceremonies in Orono this weekend, which will cause some increased traffic on I-95.

I still remember graduation days when I went to UMaine. I lived on campus and knew if I wanted to go anywhere on that Saturday, I needed to leave from class on Friday and stay with my folks in Brewer. Traffic moves on graduation day, but not very fast.

The Maine Department of Transportation is using their programmable highway signs to caution weekend drivers there will be graduation ceremonies at UMaine in Orono on Friday and Saturday, which could make traffic a lot busier throughout the weekend. The two biggest sessions will be held on Saturday, so that's when traffic in the Orono area will be at its most congested.

But with families coming to stay the weekend, it promises to be a busy couple of days. Drivers are advised to avoid the area, if at all possible. And anyone who has to travel through the region should plan for some extra time to get to their destination.

Graduation schedules are as follows, according to the University of Maine's website:

Friday, May 10

4 p.m. - Graduate School Commencement (Harold Alfond Arena)
7 p.m. - Nursing Pinning (Collins Center for the Arts)

Saturday, May 11

9:30 a.m. - Morning Ceremony (Harold Alfond Arena)