JEFFERSON — A large culvert collapsed Tuesday night on Route 17 near Peaslee’s Quick Stop in Jefferson and has resulted in an 11-mile detour along the corridor between Augusta and Rockland. 

The cause of the collapse was unknown as of Wednesday morning, according to a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Transportation who said the structure had already been targeted for repairs in the agency’s three-year work plan. 

Because of its inclusion in the three-year plan, it is unclear at this time if the culvert will receive a full repair or a temporary fix, said Damian Veilleux of the MDOT. Since the cause and the scope of the collapse is still under investigation, additional details are not yet available, including the estimated cost of repairs, or how long the road will be closed. 

Veilleux said there were no injuries or property damage from the collapse and that police are at the site to direct cars not to pass while engineers examine the area.  

The 11-mile detour around the failed structure takes cars on state Routes 32, 126 and 220, through Jefferson before connecting back to Route 17. 

Veilleux did not respond to multiple requests for an update on the crew’s findings at the scene Wednesday afternoon.

 

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