Those who favor the Route 197 and Stevenstown Road bridges to get home to Litchfield will need to consider an alternative route tonight.

The north- and southbound lanes on both bridges, between mile markers 93 and 96, will be closed during rush hours until 7 p.m. for bridge painting, officials from the Maine Turnpike said this morning.

The northbound lane of the Maine Turnpike from Exit 102 in West Gardiner to Exit 109 in Augusta reopened at 3 p.m. today, which should ensure a steady commute home.

In the heart of the capital city, no serious vehicle accidents have been reported; and with the east side’s traffic lights free of fried critters, (see previous entry) the drive home or to sports practice should be event-free.

For those who work the graveyard shift, your drive may be met by fog and hit-or-miss showers, according to the National Weather Service. Give yourself a few extra minutes to get to work in case visibility is low.