BETHEL – Pavement tests on Route 2 in Bethel will restrict traffic flow on Wednesday, May 19, according to the Maine Department of Transportation.

“A section of pavement on Route 2, between Bethel and North Bethel, was designated as a test area for a federal long-term pavement performance test,” said Bill Thompson of DOT’s transportation research section. “Part of that test includes periodic testing of the pavement to see how well it is holding up under weather and traffic conditions. This section is among numerous sections in the United States and Canada that have been monitored since the 1980s.

“The 500-foot long test area is in the eastbound lane of Route 2, about one mile from the Androscoggin River bridge as you head from Bethel toward Newry,” he said. “Drivers should expect lane restrictions in that area between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 19. We’ll do our best to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction.”

He urged drivers to use caution approaching and passing through the test area.

Thompson says no rain date has been set. If they have to cancel the test due to bad weather, they will reschedule and announce a new date.