SACO, Maine — The last exit to open on the Maine Turnpike was in Sabattus in 2004—but that's about to change.
The Maine Turnpike Authority is set to build a new interchange, exit 35, in Saco that will connect the turnpike to Route 112.
"[The interchange] will relieve a huge amount of congestion on Route 112," Peter Mills, executive director of the Maine Turnpike Authority told NEWS CENTER Maine.
Mills said the new exit will allow commuters from towns west of Saco, like Buxton and Hollis, to get on the turnpike and head south faster.
"Wherever they’re heading, they’ll be able to get to work, 10 or 15 or 20 minutes earlier than before," he added.
Crews started clearing trees for the new exit this week, according to a Maine Turnpike Authority spokesperson. Construction is set to begin in March and it's not expected to impact any traffic.
Mills said he expects the exit to be open by Thanksgiving in 2025.
Click here for more information about the new interchange.