Maine DOT Closed I-95 Lane Following Bridge Strike
The agency restricted traffic on the bridge near Benton after an inspection revealed vehicle strike damage.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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The Maine Department of Transportation closed one southbound lane of Interstate 95 near Benton to install temporary bridge supports. The measure follows an inspection that identified structural damage consistent with a vehicle strike on the overpass.
Why it matters
Engineers are installing stabilization measures to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge after the impact. The closure prevents further strain on the damaged section of the crossing while repair work proceeds.
One southbound lane of Interstate 95 is currently closed near the River Road overpass in Benton. The bridge is located less than a half-mile east of the Kennebec River and north of Fairfield.
The players
Maine Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Maine's multimodal transportation infrastructure.
The details
Crews are working on River Road directly beneath the bridge to secure the site with temporary supports. Traffic remains reduced to a single lane on the interstate while maintenance personnel assess the extent of the damage.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: The Maine Department of Transportation announced the lane closures.
Roadmap
This repair project reflects the ongoing maintenance challenges facing regional infrastructure as states prioritize the safety of older overpasses. It highlights how transportation agencies must quickly deploy structural reinforcements to maintain traffic flow while managing legacy infrastructure threats.
Drivers traveling southbound on I-95 through Benton should expect significant delays due to the lane reduction. Commuters are advised to account for potential traffic backups while the temporary supports are being installed.
The takeaway
Travelers should monitor local transit alerts for updates on when the southbound lane might reopen. Maintaining vigilance when driving near bridge overpasses is essential to prevent future structural damage to regional infrastructure.
Further reading
For more information on state infrastructure safety and repairs, visit the Car Maintenance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
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