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This 2005 photo shows the westbound Saco Industrial Spur (I-195) at EXIT 2 (US 1) in Saco. (Photo by Alex Nitzman and Carter Buchanan.)

Length:
Constructed:

2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers)
1980-1983

CONNECTING THE MAINE TURNPIKE TO SACO AND THE BEACH: Interstate 195, known officially as the "Saco Industrial Spur," was planned as one of Maine's original Interstate highways during the mid-1950's. With much of the state's energies focused on completing and upgrading I-95 and I-295, I-195 remained a low priority for nearly a quarter century. However, local officials saw I-195 as a key component to revitalize Saco's industrial area, which had been in decline since the closing of the York Mills textile factory in 1958.

Work finally began on I-195 in 1980. The new four-lane spur required the construction of a new Saco interchange on the Maine Turnpike (I-95) about one-half mile north of the existing interchange at ME 112 (Buxton Road. Partial cloverleaf interchanges also were built for Industrial Park Road and US 1 (Portland Road). I-195 narrows down to one lane in each direction before transitioning directly onto ME 5 (Ocean Park Road) at the Saco-Old Orchard Beach border, where through traffic continues east to the Old Orchard Beach resort area.

In 1982, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) opened a one-mile section of I-195 from EXIT 1 (Industrial Park Road) to the ME 5 terminus. The MaineDOT and the Maine Turnpike Authority completed the connection to the turnpike, the toll plaza, and the "trumpet" interchange at the western terminus of I-195 one year later.

According to MaineDOT, the Saco Industrial Spur carries approximately 20,000 vehicles per day (AADT).

This 2016 photo shows the eastbound Saco Industrial Spur (I-195) at EXIT 1 (Industrial Park Road / ME 112) in Saco. The short freeway spur, which has a 60 MPH speed limit, merges into ME 5 (Ocean Park Road) just east of EXIT 2 (US 1). (Photo by Steve Anderson.)

SOURCES: "Maine's Interstate Highway System: An Investment in Safety, Mobility, and Prosperity," Maine Department of Transportation (2006); Saco Spirit; Alex Nitzman; Alexander Svirsky.

  • I-195 shield by Ralph Herman.
  • Lightpost by Millerbernd Manufacturing Company.
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SACO INDUSTRIAL SPUR LINKS:

SACO INDUSTRIAL SPUR CURRENT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS:

SACO INDUSTRIAL SPUR VIDEO LINK:

THE EXITS OF METRO BOSTON:

  • Interstate 195 (Maine) exit list by Steve Anderson.

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