“This is an exciting opportunity for businesses in the area to utilize this new interchange,” said David Bernhardt, state DOT commissioner. (Maine DOT photo)

Due to an innovative business partnership program, the Maine Department of Transportation was able to open a new Interstate 95 interchange in Waterville, north of Augusta.

The agency said the interchange for Exit 124 at Trafton Road allows direct access to I-95 and will help to foster business growth opportunities within the area.

“This is an exciting opportunity for businesses in the area to utilize this new interchange,” said David Bernhardt, state DOT commissioner. “The city of Waterville and surrounding communities now have a new point of access that allows an easy connection to the interstate, saving time and direct fuel costs which will positively affect their bottom line.”

The $5.3 million project was funded by the Maine DOT along with the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, the city of Waterville and Trafton Properties — which utilized the Maine DOT's Business Partnership Initiative.

The state DOT described that Business Partnership Initiative as “a one-third state, two-third business/municipal demand response program, designed to respond to municipal/business entity requests such as responding to changing local transportation needs on state and state-aid highways, developing economic opportunities and relieving safety concerns on or adjacent to these highways.”

The program is designed to promote public/private partnerships between the department and municipalities, public utilities, private businesses and other entities by leveraging additional resources on a voluntary basis to match limited state resources.

“It will make improvements to state and state-aid highways often utilizing more flexible project delivery methods when the nature of the highway and project allow” the department said.

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