PORTLAND, Maine — With the unofficial start of summer coming this weekend, traffic on the Maine Turnpike is expected to be very heavy.
According to a statement from the Maine Turnpike Authority, more than 890,000 vehicles are expected to use the turnpike over the course of Memorial Day weekend, an increase of 5.2 percent from 2014.
The busiest travel day is expected to be Friday, with more than 294,000 vehicles expected to be on the road. From January through April, turnpike travel has grown 3.12 percent compared to the same time period last year, according to the statement.
The roads are expected to be heavily patrolled by state police, and MTA officials are urging drivers to use caution, such as wearing seat belts and refraining from using mobile devices.
Texting and driving is against the law in Maine, with the first offense netting a fine of $100. Drivers are urged to be wary of construction zones and campers and boats on the roads as well.
