Reconstruction of 12.7 miles of Route 5 between Albany Township and Bethel is expected to begin around May 11.

The $18 million dollar project — from the World Traveler Signpost in Albany Township to Route 2 at Lover’s Lane in Bethel — is expected to be completed by the Maine Department of Transportation in October 2027. Bids will be solicited beginning April 22.

Residents share the busy corridor, also known named Route 35/Songo Pond Road, with hikers and skiers headed to Sunday River Resort in Newry, Mt. Abram Ski Area and Bike Park in Greenwood and Grafton Notch State Park in Grafton Township, along with steady tourist traffic bound for Bethel village and other area attractions.

One resident who lives on the road likened it to the “Daytona Speedway,” citing its severe slants.

Work will include widening and paving shoulders, improving alignment and rebuilding the road base with thicker gravel. Crews will also repave it, upgrade drainage, repair or replace culverts, and install new guardrails and safety features.

Responding to a question about where work will begin, Maine Department of Transportation Communications Director Andrew Gobeil said the contractor will determine that.

Lane closures with alternating traffic have begun, along with significant tree clearing. Gobeil said reducing the tree canopy will increase sunlight on the road surface, helping it dry faster and last longer, while also improving drainage and reducing roadside hazard.

Routes 5 and 35 are well-traveled approaches to the Bethel area, but travelers from the south have other options while the construction is going on. Drivers coming from Interstate 95 north can get off in Gray (Exit 63), then follow Route 26 all the way to Bethel, or use the same route with a shortcut through Norway Center. 

The last treatment to the roadway was a Light Capital Paving project in 2019, an appropriate treatment based on its classification as a corridor priority 4, Gobeil said.

The Maine Department of Transportation’s Project Identification number is: 028136.00