Drivers on I-95 will get some relief from traffic congestion this summer

May 22—Just in time for the summer tourism season, drivers on I-95 in Portsmouth will be allowed to use the shoulder as a travel lane during periods of peak traffic congestion, the state Department of Transportation announced.

The DOT, in conjunction with the Maine Department of Transportation and Maine Turnpike Authority, will begin using a new dynamic "part-time shoulder use" (PTSU) system on approximately three miles of the interstate — between Exit 5 in New Hampshire and Exit 3 in Maine, the agency announced Wednesday.

The system will be used during peak travel periods from May through October, as well as "during unplanned incidents, and as traffic conditions warrant," the agency said.

NHDOT will also open a lane to travelers on the I-95 bridge as needed.

Technicians at the state Transportation Systems, Management and Operations center in Concord will determine when to allow the right shoulder of the northbound highway to be used as an open travel lane, while Maine officials will manage the southbound system.

When the system is activated, messages will alert drivers that the shoulder is open for travel, and warning signs with flashing beacons at the on-ramps will warn merging traffic to use extra caution. Safety patrols will also be increased when the system is in use, officials said.

Traffic management centers from both states will close the shoulder to traffic when congestion eases, or if a motorist is in the breakdown lane. Drivers are advised to only use the breakdown lane for emergencies and to contact 911 for assistance.

Real-time construction and traffic messages are available from New England 511. For information, visit newengland511.org.