I-95 toll road in Maine questions

If you take exit 45 off I95 northbound in Portland, then take the 2nd exit ramp onto 295 you will have bypassed the toll booth for 295.
295 will take you through Freeport, if you have any interest in stopping at L.L. Bean. There is the regular retail store there, and a clearance/outlet store across the street. Oh, and Cabellas is just off I95 in scarborough with free overnite parking and a dump station.

fwed wrote:
Stay on I95 until Exit 51 to avoid downtown Portland. Exit 51 will take you across to I295 in Falmouth and up to I95 just outside of Augusta. The road is perfectly fine! ....

And about 15 miles shorter.

Stay on I95 until Exit 51 to avoid downtown Portland. Exit 51 will take you across to I295 in Falmouth and up to I95 just outside of Augusta. The road is perfectly fine! Past Augusta you can choose State Route 3 to Belfast, then US Rt 1 to Ellsworth, or stay on I95 to Bangor, to US 1A down to Ellsworth. Don't fret I295 at any time, but it's easier if you bypass Portland.

From I295, you can pick up US Route 1 in Topsham for a longer, but flatter and more interesting trip to Belfast. Worth it if you've got the time.

Fred.

Also, the speed limit was just upped to 70 MPH

Seriously? Thanks for the head's up. Now I know to COMPLETELY avoid 295 unless I'm going into Portland.

I drive I295 daily and there is more traffic than the turnpike, Also, the speed limit was just upped to 70 MPH which is insane on this congested commuter route. A better idea would have been to add the needed third lane.

Stay on the pike. Unless you are going to the midcoast.

Okay, Thanks Everyone!

I agree with Crowe. Stay on I-95.

Stay on I95. Period.

I-295 takes you closer to the "urban" section - which, being Portland, ME, really isn't too bad! 295 as stated will end when it re-connects you with 95. Me, being a cheap Yankee, tends to take 295 when running north, but I'm in a "B" and not towing anything... 295 has a bit more traffic, more exiting and oncoming, and more curves. So it is really your choice... I-95 is good road for travelling, which is why there is a toll! Clear as mud, right??? ST

I always use 295 and it is not a toll road BUT just before Augusta rt295 ends at a toll plaza and dumps you back onto the Maine Turnpike. Using 295 is a few miles shorter than the Maine Turnpike from Portland to Augusta.

edit to add: 295 is for the most part a good road and has had several sections repaived in the last few years.