Heavy Interstate Traffic Expected Saturday; Delays Anticipated
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571
ORONO — The University of Maine’s 206th commencement, scheduled for Saturday May 10 at Alfond Arena, will bring a total of approximately 11,000 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 are likely. Delays of up to one hour have been reported in past years, and the issue is complicated this year by the construction-related closure of one lane near the intersection of I-95 and I-395 in Bangor. That is expected to cause further delays, affecting those traveling from south of Bangor.
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 lots of 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.