The following driving information is offered to assist first time visitors and others who may not be totally familiar with the highways in Maine. Starting January 2004 the Maine Turnpike / I-95 / I-295/I-495 have been redesignated as shown on the on this map provided by the Maine Turnpike Authority.

As you will see from the map there are two major routes you can take to travel north through Maine.

So, which way to go??? When deciding which route to take consider the following:

• I-95 / Maine Turnpike is a toll road from New Exit 3 (mile marker) at the South to New Exit 112 (mile marker).
• I-95 is not the shortest route from Portland to Gardiner but is likely the quickest especially during Summer months
• I-295 tends to be more congested during Summer months
• I-295 is what you need if you want to stop at Freeport or any of the coastal communities between Portland and the Bath/Brunswick area
• L.L. Bean is in Freeport
• if you want to take Coastal Route 1 up the Maine coast from Portland to Belfast the you will want to take I-295 through Portland

Driving East & West - The most popular East / West route is Route 3 from Augusta to Belfast. The road is wide and safe with the speed limit in many areas as high as 55. The speed limit does change often and therefor requires close driver attention. However, it is the quickest way to get to the coast from inland and central regions of the State. It is not the quickest way to get to Mount Desert Island and the Bar Harbor area. It is faster to continue up I95 to Bangor and then take I395 to Route 1A East to Ellsworth and then Route 3 to Mount Desert Island. However, if you want to see some of the coastal towns from Belfast to Ellsworth you should take the Route 3 option from Augusta to Belfast and then North along the coast. Not as fast but more scenic.

Tolls in Maine - The only toll road in Maine is the Maine Turnpike ( I95 and the Turnpike are the same road at the south end and the north end of the Turnpike). In 1997 the Turnpike converted from a "card" system to a combination "electronic" payment (Transpass) and "cash" payment system. The electronic system is not intended for visitors. It is designed for frequent (daily or close to it) users. Cash tolls are collected when you get on the Turnpike not when you get off (except at a few exits where preset tolls are collected). For excellent information on the Maine Turnpike I suggest you visit their Web Site at www.maineturnpike.com . There you will find the latest info on the construction work as well as excellent maps and toll fees.

Speed Limits - Speed limits are strickly enforced for your safety and everone who travels in the State. DO NOT SPEED and DO NOT DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE! The people of Maine want your visit to Maine to be an enjoyable one!. Speeding fines are sure to exceed $100.00 and driving under the influence will most likely result in time spent in jail! Every cruiser has a speed monitoring system in operation at all times. You will not see many "speed traps" but you will see plenty of police cruisers. Most tickets are a result of an officer (in a cruiser or an unmarked car) approaching you from the opposite direction and clocking you as you approach them.

Be aware, speed limits change frequently as roads wind their way through densly populated areas and then through areas where only the Moose live. One tricky spot is the Maine Turnpike in the Portland area - the speed limit drops 10 miles/hour in that area (for about 5 miles) and then goes back up just North of Portland. If you don't happen to catch the signs and there are not a lot of them (and there are on special warnings) you can be surprised to find yourself travelling well above the posted speed limit. BE ALERT!

The State Police are using airplanes to clock cars in many locations in the State.. Be very careful!! You can be driving along at the speed limit when suddenly you are pulled over by an officer and informed that you were speeding a mile or more back!!! Very interesting .........

Moose - DO NOT HIT A MOOSE! Most Moose are well over 1000 pounds and are not afraid of cars. Dusk and dawn are the time to be the most vigilant. When you see signs warning of Moose believe them and be extra vigilant! Most people who hit a Moose do not live to tell about it!!!! I am not kidding. At best you will be replacing your car. They are big, slow and do not get out of the way. Deer are also a common sight and can do a great deal of damage. Again, dawn and dusk are the most likely times to see these animals. If you see one cross the road do not assume you are in the clear - often they are followed by one or more and deer do not stop and look both ways before crossing!

Note: For reference purposes I am leaving the above map to show the old routes - THIS is NOT VALID NOW.  The Maine Turnpike from Portland to Augusta, which is shown as I-495 has become I-95. And, what is shown as I-95 from Portland to Gardiner has become I-295. Also, all of the Maine Turnpike and I-95 exit numbers have changed.  So, be careful about using old Exit numbers for your directions. I will be correcting my maps etc. as time permits but it may take awhile.