Third oversized load to begin move from Jay to South Portland
Heavy Haul Transport to Halt Route 117 Overnight for Bridge Work in Turner
A massive truck scheduled to deliver critical bridge components will be parked overnight in Oxford, Maine, and will temporarily close Route 117 in the nearby town of Turner. The closure is part of a “jumper bridge” operation designed to keep traffic moving while a larger bridge is replaced or repaired.
The truck is set to arrive in Oxford by 10 p.m. tonight, park for the night, and depart early in the morning. The Route 117 shutdown in Turner will begin at 11 p.m. and is expected to lift around 6 a.m. The work involves installing a temporary bridge—known in engineering circles as a jumper bridge—allowing vehicles to bypass the main span while workers finish the replacement.
State officials say the timing was chosen to minimize disruption to local commuters. “The overnight schedule is the most practical for keeping the main highway open during daylight hours,” a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) explained. “Traffic will be rerouted via local roads until the operation is complete.”
Drivers who normally use Route 117 between Oxford and the larger city of Augusta should plan for a detour. The DOT recommends using Route 16 southbound, then turning onto U.S. 1 northbound, which provides a clear path to Augusta. The detour will add roughly 10 to 15 minutes to a typical commute, depending on traffic.
Local residents in Turner and Oxford have expressed mixed feelings. Some appreciate the short inconvenience for the long‑term benefit of a sturdier bridge, while others worry about the potential for traffic bottlenecks. “I’ve lived here for 30 years, and I know how important the bridge is,” said a Turner resident. “If it takes a few hours to get through, it’s worth it.”
The heavy‑haul vehicle is operated by a private contractor hired by the DOT. While the company has not provided a detailed schedule, it is clear that the overnight stop is a necessary step in the broader project, which aims to replace an aging section of Route 117’s main bridge. The replacement is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.
The DOT urges all drivers to check the Department’s website and local news outlets for real‑time updates. Traffic cameras along Route 117 will be monitored, and a hotline will be open for travelers needing assistance or route information.
In the meantime, residents can expect the heavy haul transport to be parked in Oxford overnight, while the temporary closure of Route 117 in Turner lifts early Monday morning, restoring the usual flow of traffic along this key corridor.
