Second of nine generators begins journey from Jay to South Portland, police warn of traffic delays

Maine Traffic Delays Expected as Second Generator Truck Traverses the State

A 23‑foot generator truck, the second of a nine‑vehicle convoy, is making its way across Maine this week, prompting the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) to warn motorists of possible traffic delays. The shipment is part of a statewide effort to bolster the state's power infrastructure, and the trucks are scheduled to travel the length of the state on Interstate 95 (I‑95) and its spur highways.

The convoy was announced earlier this month as a key component of a new emergency backup power system that will serve key facilities in Bangor, Augusta, and the surrounding region. The generators, each weighing more than 5,000 pounds, will be installed at a central location on the state's electrical grid, allowing emergency crews to quickly deploy power in the event of a large‑scale outage.

Route and Timing

The second truck in the convoy is scheduled to depart from the manufacturer’s plant in Portland on Thursday morning and will follow the main north‑south corridor of I‑95. The route will take the vehicle through the cities of Lewiston, Augusta, and Bangor before it reaches the final staging area near the state’s power plant complex in Brewer. MDOT has advised that the truck will be traveling during off‑peak hours—between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.—to minimize congestion on the highway.

According to MDOT, the truck’s size and weight require that it be routed on a single lane of the highway for several miles. As a result, motorists should expect a 15‑to‑30‑minute delay at the most congested sections, particularly where the convoy will pause for loading and unloading operations. The agency has already worked with local law enforcement to set up temporary detours and has requested that motorists allow an additional 10 minutes of travel time when passing through the affected segments.

Why the Delays Matter

While the delays are expected to be brief, MDOT officials note that the convoy’s passage is crucial to ensuring the reliability of Maine’s power supply. “These generators are a critical part of our emergency response plan,” a MDOT spokesperson said. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation in keeping the routes clear and in allowing the convoy to pass safely.”

The decision to move the generators during nighttime hours reflects the state's need to balance infrastructure improvements with the everyday concerns of commuters and freight drivers. The convoy’s journey across the state is part of a larger project that includes the construction of new transmission lines, upgrades to substations, and the installation of modern monitoring equipment.

What Motorists Should Do

• Plan for a possible 15‑to‑30‑minute delay on I‑95, especially between Lewiston and Augusta.
• Stay alert for posted detour signs and follow directions from highway patrol units.
• If traveling during peak hours, consider taking an alternate route such as I‑395 or local roads.
• Avoid the main line of the convoy by using side lanes when safe, as MDOT will keep the convoy on a single lane for much of its journey.

MDOT has urged drivers to remain patient and follow posted instructions. The agency has also set up a dedicated hotline to answer questions about the convoy’s route and timing.

The generator convoy is expected to complete its run by early next week, after which the equipment will be installed and tested. Once the project is finished, Maine will have a new layer of resilience built into its electrical system, better protecting the state from future power disruptions.