MaineDOT contractors will begin excavation and drainage work along Leeman Highway next week, immediately after Memorial Day.

The work will get underway in the area under the High Street Bridge and will progress toward the Washington Street intersection under the Central Maine and Quebec Railway lines.

During the progress of this work, drivers should expect shifts in traffic. Work zone signs, barrels and cones will be placed to guide drivers and pedestrians around work areas. Intermittent lane closures are possible, and drivers may encounter some delays.

Drainage improvements are part of the overall project plan, and will be accomplished through the summer along the frontage roads while the U.S. Route 1 Viaduct remains open. MaineDOT Resident Engineer Glenn Philbrook stated, "For the next several months the shifts in traffic will be confined largely to the southbound side of Leeman Highway between High Street and Franklin Street." Philbrook also emphasized that throughout the project, access to Historic Downtown Bath and all local businesses will be maintained.

MaineDOT encourages drivers to stay informed about the project by visiting mainedot.gov and by signing up for email alerts. Project details, maps and updates will be made available throughout the three stages of construction, as outlined here:

PHASE 1 - May through October 10, Columbus Day 2016: U.S. Route 1/Bath Viaduct remains open while drainage work is accomplished along frontage roads (Leeman Highway, Commercial St. & Vine St.) and rail bed work is completed on Central Maine and Quebec Railway Lines.

PHASE 2 - October 11, 2016 through May 25, 2017 (Prior to Memorial Day, 2017): U.S. Route 1/Bath Viaduct closed - traffic rerouted primarily to frontage roads as demolition of the existing viaduct is completed, followed by construction of the new viaduct.

PHASE 3 - Memorial Day through June, 2017: New viaduct open, all heavy work complete. Striping, crosswalks, and finish work with curbs and landscaping wrapped up to end the project.

MaineDOT reminds all drivers to please obey posted speed limits and pay attention when driving through work zones, for their own safety and the safety of construction workers.

For more information on this and other MaineDOT construction projects, visit mainedot.gov.