Question for our Mainers regarding I-95

[Raymond]

Just returned from a visit to the Pine Tree State. What's the story behind the highway exit renumbering? Is the Great State of Maine really planning on adding more than a hundred new exits to Route 95? I sure hope not!

 

[Nadine]

I-95 exits have been re-numbered to coincide with the mile markers to enhance the EMS system.

Now exit 75 is at mile marker 75. Much of Canada uses the same system.

 

[Turnbill]

The same system is used in many western states (e.g., Arizona and California).

Maine DOT also redesignated the Interstates themselves. What used to be I-495 from Portland to Lewiston to Augusta (the inland route) is now I-95 (like the rest of the Maine Turnpike) and what used to be I-95 from Portland to Brunswick to Augusta (the coastal route) is now I-295.

 

[dug]

It takes a little getting used to, but I actually like the system. You can instantly know how far your destination is by knowing the exit number. I believe it is the same in some/most southern sections of I-95 (from what I was told, no first hand knowledge).

 

[spencer]

Mapquest has not updated its databases yet.

As Turnbill mentioned, the renaming of parts of I-95 and the new I-295 may be the most confusing part of it all.

good luck...

spencer
exit 191

 

[LittleBear]

I guess the other thing was there were duplicate exit numbers and it was confusing for people. For instance, when you cross over from NH on I-95, there were exits 1 - 3. Then after you paid the toll and got on the Maine Turnpike (which was actually just a continuation of the same road), there were exits 1, 2, and 3 again. I think there was the same problem with exit numbers on the turnpike and I-295. (I think exits 19 and 20?) The new system takes care of that problem. Although I did have some problems figuring out where to get off the first time I drove after the exit numbers were changed.

 

[spongebob]

It is wicked smart how they came up with those new fancy exit numbers. Ayuh....

 

[percious]

Maryland uses the mile-per exit number rule too. Just in case anyone was wondering... Highpointers out there?

-percious

 

[Mad Townie]

I think the new I-95 / I-295 part is much more straightforward than the old one.

As for the exit numbering, I understand the need, but we old folks will always think of Exit 8 as Exit 8, not Exit Forty, uh, geez I can't remember. 46? 47?

 

[trailbiscuit]

Ok, so we just passed exit 476.3. What's the next exit? What was the last exit? Did I miss an exit? I'm lost.

That's why I like the numbers better. If I just passed exit 21, then 22 is the next exit.

 

[Mark]

I'm up at Sebago Lake for my annual vacation and just experienced the new numbering system. I like it since I always know how far to my exit now.

The exit signs list the old exit numbers (e.g., Exit 45 - old exit 7B) so travelers will have time to get used to the new system and map makers will have time to update their data.

 

[MichaelJ]

I really like the new system. Keeping I-95 along the Maine Tpk route solves a lot of weirdnesses in driving directions, as does getting rid of any number whatsoever for the "Falmouth Spur" (which is where 95 and 495 used to split, 95 arcing down to meet back with 295). I remember going to the "wrong" exit for LL Bean because I was on 495 instead of 95, because I didn't realize I had to exit the turnpike to stay on 95. Talk about a *long* distance out of the way!

I also like the mileage-based exits up there. It's great to know that my next exit is 47 miles away just by knowing the next exit number. It makes planning those gas station visits much easier.

If you stop at the first visitor center / rest area in Maine, they have these very well-done brochures about the renumbering, talking about and showing the new layout on a map.

 

[bobandgeri]

Using the mile number as the exit number is also used throughout the mid-west - just takes some getting use too.

 

[Raymond]

I thought maybe they were mileage points, but I wasn't sure. It seems like it was just a few years ago they (The Feds) made a big deal out of getting rid of the "N," "E," "S," or "W" additions to the exit numbers, requiring just "A" or ""B." Oh well. Anything to confuse us.

What's Medway/Millinocket now?

 

[LittleBear]

Still a long way from my door.

 

[spencer]

What's Medway/Millinocket now?

something like 243. I've stopped paying attention to the new numbers, but it's about 50 miles north of me and I'm 191.

the exit is clearly labeled for BSP South Entrance though...

spencer

 

[SherpaKroto]

The problem I have is not with the numbering system. It's with any reference points. Finding a map with the "right" exit numbers is a challenge, and I never remember to rest my tripmeter when I get on the Maine Pike (or anywhere). I still have trouble reading those little green mile markers as I whizz by them. I started putting waypoints in my GPS so I wouldn't get lost Of course, exit 11 is a LOT closer now!

 

[trailbiscuit]

OK, so I spent a little time this weekend driving up and down the ME Turnpike and I-95. (Not to check out the exit system, but the timing was good.)

Nope, go back to the old numbers. I can never figure out where I am.

Did I mention, I fear change.

Happy Driving!

 

[brianW]

The new system I prefer more then the old. It did throw me a bit the 1st time I was back up there after the switch. Plus the reminders of "Old Exit #" was funny to see. Rt. 81 in Virgina uses the same numbering system. It was depressing driving thru last year going by exit 320sh knowing I was looking for exit 81. How many more hours in the car with the kids??????

 

[Raymond]

That's a good point. I would think it would inspire people to speed more, knowing how many bleeping miles remain to their exit.