The Presque Isle Bypass is a long-planned transportation project intended to improve safety, mobility, and freight movement in northern Maine. By routing through traffic, especially commercial trucks, around downtown Presque Isle rather than along Main Street/U.S. Route 1, the bypass aims to reduce congestion, improve travel reliability, and support businesses and communities throughout Aroostook County. The project reflects years of planning and collaboration among MaineDOT, the City of Presque Isle, and regional partners.
Planning and Environmental Review
The project originated in the Aroostook County Transportation Study, which examined long-term transportation needs and connections in northeastern Maine. MaineDOT and the Federal Highway Administration completed a Tier 1 environmental review for the broader study, with the federal agency approving the Record of Decision on February 1, 2010.
MaineDOT completed a Tier 2 Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Presque Isle Bypass in January 2013. After evaluating potential corridors and alignments, the review identified a 9.8-mile limited-access bypass east of downtown as the preferred alternative. It assessed transportation benefits and potential effects on wetlands, wildlife, natural and cultural resources, and communities, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act. The bypass was divided into phases to advance design, permitting, and construction as funding became available.
Phase I
Construction of Phase I began in 2016, and the approximately 1.7-mile segment opened in June 2019. Connecting Conant Road and Fort Fairfield Road, it established the central portion of the planned bypass and provided an alternative route for commercial vehicles and other travelers.
Ed Pelletier & Sons Co. of Madawaska was the contractor. The total estimated project cost was $16.82 million.
The Conant Road connection was intended to serve the developing bypass network until the next phase could be built. Phase II will replace that interim connection with a new interchange.
Phase II
In September 2022, MaineDOT received a $44.1 million federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant to help advance Phase II. The award supported the commercial bypass connecting U.S. Route 1 south of Presque Isle with the existing segment.
Construction began in March 2026 with tree clearing along the planned alignment. The current project includes 6.17 miles of new two-lane roadway from U.S. Route 1 near the Westfield town line to Phase I at Conant Road, along with:
- A new interchange connecting the two phases.
- Four bridges and five large box culverts.
- Roadway and drainage improvements.
- Grade-separated crossings associated with Henderson Road, Easton Road, Conant Road, and the rail line.
- Truck climbing lanes and multiuse trail crossings at Conant Road and Henderson Road.
Sargent Corporation of Orono is the prime contractor, with a construction contract totaling $77,941,902. Completion is expected in fall 2029.
Together, Phases I and II will provide roughly 7.9 miles of bypass roadway, improving freight efficiency and reliability, reducing heavy truck traffic downtown, and strengthening transportation access across northern Maine.