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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 20, 2026 |
PORTLAND, ME--Maine State Police (MSP) and the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety conducted a high‑visibility traffic enforcement initiative on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 on the Maine Turnpike. Maine State Police oversaw and directed the operation.
According to the Maine State Police, the operation was part of the summer traffic safety effort, focusing on reducing crashes and fatalities through enhanced speed enforcement and increased attention to work zone safety. Tuesday’s operation spanned active construction zones along the Maine Turnpike from York to Auburn, with Troopers from Troop G and the Traffic Safety Unit conducting stationary and roving enforcement details using both marked and unmarked cruisers.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety supported the initiative through highway safety grants that funded additional enforcement activity.
This initiative follows a similar enforcement effort conducted in July, with results available on a separate page.
During Tuesday’s operation:
• 14 Troopers contributed to the initiative
• 144 vehicles were stopped for various violations
• 83 citations were issued for speeding, distracted driving, seatbelt violations, and other offenses
• 12 citations were issued specifically for construction‑zone speed violations in an active work zone
• 75 warnings were issued to promote voluntary compliance with Maine’s traffic laws
MTA Executive Director Andre Briere emphasized the importance of enforcement efforts, stating: “This operation reinforces what we have been underscoring all year—work zone safety is a shared responsibility. Speeding through construction areas puts Maine workers and motorists at risk. Our goal is education, and we are grateful to the State Police for helping deliver this ongoing message.”
The initiative took place at a temporary lane closure for a sign installation on the southern end of the Turnpike and at an ongoing project to repair the Androscoggin Bridge. Reduced speed limits are in effect in all work zones to protect roadside crews performing maintenance and construction activities.
MTA thanks all who participated in the enforcement operation and reminds motorists to obey posted speed limits, eliminate distractions, and use extra caution when traveling through work zones to help prevent crashes and save lives.
MTA also extends its appreciation to MSP; Lt. Jodell Wilkinson of Troop G for coordinating the detail; and the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety for its continued support of roadway safety initiatives.
Maine State Police is the official spokesperson for this initiative.