The Maine Turnpike Authority expects rainy weather to reduce Memorial Day weekend traffic on the toll highway by 2.5% this year.
“Just under 1 million vehicles are anticipated to travel the Maine Turnpike from Friday through Monday,” said spokesperson Erin Courtney. “Stormy weather forecasted for Friday will likely keep folks away for the first part of the weekend.”
Even with a slight dip, Friday will still be the busiest day, Courtney said, with the heaviest volume northbound from 3-7 p.m.
Saturday will be busiest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in both directions. Monday will be busiest southbound from noon to 7 p.m.
Despite the stormy weather, Miles the Moose, the turnpike’s mascot, will greet travelers at the Kennebunk northbound plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
The turnpike, which runs from Kittery to Augusta and is part of Interstate 95, was designated a Gold Star Memorial Highway in 1965, honoring military members who died in service and their families. Signs along the highway reflect this designation.
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