Heavy Interstate Traffic Anticipated Saturday; Those Traveling to UMaine Commencement Encouraged to Plan Accordingly
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571
ORONO — The University of Maine’s 207th commencement, scheduled for Saturday May 9 at Alfond Arena, will bring a total of approximately 12,000 people to the Orono campus. As most of those graduates and visitors will travel by automobile on Interstate 95 from south of Orono, significant delays, of perhaps as much as an hour, are likely.
Those traveling from southern Maine should note that the Maine Dept. of Transportation is planning weekend work on I-295 northbound, reducing traffic between Brunswick and Gardiner to one lane.
In addition, those driving from anywhere south of Bangor should anticipate one-lane travel (in both directions) at the I-395 overpass on I-95 at the southernmost Bangor exit.
UMaine’s commencement, by far the largest in Maine each year, is divided into two ceremonies. One begins at 10 a.m. and the other at 2:30 p.m. Those planning to attend are encouraged to allow extra time and to expect delays on I-95 and moving through Orono.
Those accessing UMaine via Interstate 95 should consider using Exit 197 and traveling through Old Town to the university’s Park St. entrance, if traffic is significantly backed up at the exits closer to Bangor.
UMaine will operate a continuous shuttle bus service from the Steam Plant Parking Lot, Belgrade Lot, Maine Center for the Arts Lot and Hilltop Lot to Alfond Arena, both before and after the ceremonies.