Bangor to Update I-95 Exit 186 Intersection Markings

The Maine Department of Transportation will apply new lane markings to improve safety by October 26, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Employment

Isometric editorial illustration of a crisp white painted lane line on dark pavement, representing traffic safety infrastructure improvements. — The Maine Department of Transportation will implement new pavement markings at the I-95 Exit 186 intersection in Bangor by late October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe reconfiguring complex intersections in your area effectively improves local traffic safety?

The Maine Department of Transportation is scheduled to paint new pavement markings at the intersection of Stillwater Avenue and I-95 Exit 186 in Bangor. This project aims to enhance traffic flow and safety at the site.

Why it matters

The intersection has seen a recent increase in traffic incidents, prompting city officials to take action to reduce potential hazards for local drivers. The project seeks to mitigate risks that led to dozens of accidents and multiple injuries in the past year.

Official reports indicate 64 crashes at this intersection in 2025, resulting in 14 injuries, compared to an average of 50 crashes annually from 2022 to 2024. The impact of these physical changes on local traffic safety remains to be seen.

The players

Maine Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Maine's transportation infrastructure.

The details

Crews will use specialized painting equipment to apply new pavement markings and traffic pattern lines directly onto the road surface. This infrastructure adjustment is designed by city officials to improve visibility and organize traffic flow for commuters navigating the exit.

Between 2022 and 2024, the intersection recorded an average of 50 crashes per year.
During 2025, the location saw 64 crashes that resulted in 14 injuries.
The new pavement markings are expected to be completed by the end of the day on October 26, 2026.

Macro View

This project follows a pattern set by the Maine Department of Transportation's Traffic Safety Improvement Program to address high-crash locations. These interventions mirror historical efforts to apply engineering solutions to mitigate surges in local traffic incidents.

Drivers using the I-95 Exit 186 and Stillwater Avenue intersection should anticipate road work and potential lane shifts through October 26, 2026. These updates are intended to create a more predictable driving environment, potentially reducing congestion and accident risks.

The takeaway

Maintaining awareness of changing traffic patterns is essential for navigating construction zones safely. Motorists should continue to exercise caution at the I-95 Exit 186 intersection as new road markings are implemented.