No was killed, but at least one person was air-lifted from the scene of a five-vehicle accident on the Maine Turnpike just south of Auburn.

The accident happened at 8:20 this morning in the southbound lanes between Auburn and Gray.

The numbers are in, and it looks like traveling on the Maine Turnpike over the holiday weekend met expectations, although percentages show compared to last year, traveling decreased.

According to Maine Turnpike Authority officials

• Approximately 216,492 vehicles passed through the York Toll Plaza Friday through Monday, a decrease of 4.2 percent from 2007.

• Approximately 76,676 vehicles passed northbound through the York Toll Plaza on Friday and Saturday, a decrease of 3.4 percent from 2007.

Well, we made it, folks. It's finally Memorial Day weekend. With the kickoff to summer also comes caution while traveling to camp or the beaches.

Those of us living north of Topsham are being advised to find another route to head south rather than I-295. Construction work will continue all weekend, at the request of The Maine Department of Transportation and the contractor they're working with.

"We can't insist the contractor stop working," spokeswoman Meg Lane said. "We'd really be behind the eight ball."

For those going through I-295 regardless, be on watch for an increased presence of state troopers, who will be enforcing the reduced 55 mph speed limit. Fines double in work zones.

What are turnpike officials expecting on I-95 this weekend? Check out tomorrow’s Kennebec Journal.

With the much-anticipated Memorial Day Weekend approaching, the Maine Department of Transportation is encouraging now more than ever for travelers to use the turnpike, as work on Interstate 295 will continue through the holiday.

No accidents have been reported tonight in the greater Augusta area.

Do you regularly rely on car or van pooling to get to work in the mornings or evenings? If so, let us know. Drop a line to me at: mmalloy@centralmaine.com or call 623-3811 ext. 431.

No traffic accidents have been reported in the greater Augusta area for the commute home.

Use caution, however, if you're working a late shift. The National Weather Service is projecting intermittent rain showers for the rest of the night (and week), which could mean slick streets.

Also be mindful of several minor road projects around the Augusta area, including upper Western Avenue, and Route 3 when you take the southbound bound ramp off I-95 at Exit 113.

It’ll be a quiet commute home tonight. No vehicle accidents have been reported in the Greater Augusta Area.

Gas prices in Maine have been creeping up steadily, but they’re even higher in some of our fellow New England states, including one state that is boasting over $3.90 per gallon. Check out Monday’s Kennebec Commuter column to see which state it is, and how you can get money back in your pocket and save wear and tear on your car.

The folks at the Maine Department of Transportation are busy this month.

Here's a brief round-up of up-coming projects:

Tomorrow, bridge maintenance crews will start cleaning the Second Street Bridge in Hallowell. The day-long project will go from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, crews will repave the surface of the bridge.

The detour will take commuters driving south from Second Street to North Street, onto Route 201 and finally Winthrop Street. Commuters going north will follow the same route in the opposite direction. The project should last only one day.

Next week, traffic engineering crews will install traffic count loops on Route 3 in South China. The westbound lane will close first, then the eastbound lane.

Drivers are urged to use caution in all construction zones.

National Bike To Work Day

Several of you loyal readers have responded to Monday's column about Commute Another Way Week. Friday marks National Bike To Work Day. Will you be participating? Do you normally bike to work in nice weather? What are your safety concerns?

Drop a line to mmalloy@centralmaine.com or call 623-3811 Ext. 431

Accident in Hallowell

No one was injured in a late morning accident this morning, when an 83 year-old woman inadvertently reversed her vehicle into Dom's Barber Shop. No injuries were reported. Building owner Patti Burnett plans on repairing the damage immediately.

Many area fire departments say they are prepared to keep handling traffic emergencies even when Interstate 295 closes down next month all summer for extensive road work.

In turn, Maine Department of Transportation officials said they feel confident about the closure and emergency response from meetings they have conducted with fire departments and first responders over the past few months.

Maine DOT spokeswoman Meg Lane said the state department is making strides to aid rescue crews, such as establishing “easy access points” along Route 201. As well, a Maine DOT vehicle will patrol the area seven days a week and assist on smaller incidents like running out of gas.

To get the scoop on rescue officials' thoughts, check out tomorrow's Kennebec Journal.

What are your thoughts on emergency response times once the interstate closes? Are you a Route 201 resident with concerns? Tell us about it. Call 623-3811 ext. 431 or e-mail mmalloy@centralmaine.com

Crews were out on the roads today freshening up traffic lines that faded away during the long winter. While the crews may have slightly tied up traffic in some areas, the benefits will be evident in the form of more easily navigable roadways.

Enjoy the commute home with the coat of fresh paint. No area accidents appear to be snagging the traffic flow.

-MS

The northbound mile on the Turnpike between Augusta and Hallowell has reopened, turnpike officials said.

The mile-long stretch, between mile markers 108 and 109, was closed today for culvert work. Crews reopened it at 3 p.m., just in time for the afternoon commute.

No traffic accidents have been reported for the afternoon.

Next week marks "Commute to Work Another Way" Week, and Friday is National Bike to Work Day.

Do you already take a non-traditional means of transportation to work or school? Will you bike to the office Friday? We want to hear from you. Drop us a line at mmalloy@centralmaine.com or 623-3811 Ext. 431

Turnpike crews are continuing to work on the turnpike, both just north and south of Augusta.

Interstate 95 will remain closed for the rest of the week as crews repave the southbound stretch of interstate from mile marker 130 to 118.

South of the capital city, mile marker 100 to 102 will be closed during the day from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for road work.

Drivers who use the interstate between Waterville and Sidney to travel daily will need to find an alternative route if heading south on I-95 this week.

The southbound lanes, from mile maker 130 to 118, shut down this morning for Maine Department of Transportation crews to start paving the stretch of road, officials said in a release this morning.

The lanes will reopen Saturday night at 8 p.m.

In the meantime, no major traffic-hindering vehicle accidents have been reported this afternoon.

Here's a brief update of spring/summer construction projects in central Maine that affect your daily commute on the Maine Turnpike:

Work crews are still installing utility lines along Route 126 in West Gardiner for the future toll plaza. The lanes are being shifted for 12 hours each day, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Maine Turnpike Authority officials said. Speeds on Route 126 have been reduced to 30 mph during lane shifts.

The southbound lane of the Turnpike near Farmingdale (Mile 106) has been reopened for traffic, officials said this afternoon.

Today is looking like an easy commute home (unless you park behind The Wharf in Hallowell or behind the Water Street buildings in Augusta). No accidents have been reported by local law enforcement this afternoon.

The flood waters are starting to recede slowly but surely. We're still looking for folks whose vehicles may have sustained flood damage, particularly folks from Hallowell.

Call 623-3811, Ext. 431 or e-mail mmalloy@centralmaine.com if you have a story to tell.