Cousins River Bridge Construction

Question

We will soon be spending several weeks in the area so I am curious if there is a recommended alternate route around the construction area to avoid adding to traffic delays?

Answer

Good question — and it’s very timely, because the Cousins River Bridge on US Route 1 between Freeport and Yarmouth is currently under construction. Between October 6, 2025 and May 15, 2026 traffic is limited to a single lane with alternating flow via flaggers or temporary signals.

Because of this, travel across the bridge — and along parts of Route 1 — may be slower than usual during periods of heavier traffic (weekends, mornings/evenings commuter time, or tourist-season). If you’ll be spending several weeks in the area, it’s smart to consider alternate routes or plan around the likely delays. Here are some suggested strategies and alternate routes/options to navigate around the construction zone more smoothly.

Alternate Route Options & Workarounds

Use Interstate 295 (I-295) instead of Route 1 when possible: Since the construction only affects the Cousins River Bridge on Route 1, I-295 remains unaffected.
- If you are traveling north–south along the general corridor, bypassing Route 1 in favor of I-295 can avoid the alternating-traffic delays entirely.
Time your trips outside peak hours: Because traffic over the bridge is under one-lane, there will likely be backups at peak commute times or popular travel times (e.g. weekend mornings toward Portland or coastal Maine). If you must cross Route 1, plan to travel mid-morning / mid-afternoon rather than during typical rush-hour or tourist-rush windows.
Use local roads / side streets for short local travel (within Freeport or Yarmouth), avoiding the bridge when possible: If your destination is within Freeport or Yarmouth — or nearby — try to plan trips so you don’t cross the Cousins River. For example, some local destinations may be reachable via inland roads rather than via Route 1, depending on your origin & destination.
Limit nonessential bridge crossings: Consider consolidating errands, shopping, or appointments so you don’t have to cross the bridge multiple times per day. For longer stays, this can reduce time spent stuck in possible backups.

Alternative Local Routes & Nearby Options (if you want to avoid the bridge entirely)

Stick to I-295 for through-traffic or going toward Portland / southern/northern Maine: For destinations beyond Yarmouth/Freeport (or for traveling along the coast), using I-295 instead of US Route 1 will bypass the construction entirely and likely save time.
For local walks, outings or recreational visits, use inland paths and trails rather than river-crossing roads: For example, the Cousins River Trail — a pleasant local hiking/walking trail managed by the local conservation trust — provides access to marshy shorelines and avoids the bridge/congested roads entirely.
- This is a good option if you're staying in Freeport or nearby, and just want a relaxing nature walk without dealing with traffic delays.

Practical Tips for Your Stay During Construction

Plan major errands or trips (shopping, long drives) for times outside peak traffic hours to minimize waiting at the bridge.
If you’re heading to destinations along or south/north of the bridge (e.g. Yarmouth, Portland, coastal towns), use I-295 instead of Route 1 when possible.
For errands or recreation inside Freeport or near the Cousins River, consider staying local — inland roads, trails, or amenities that don’t require crossing the bridge.
Monitor local traffic-alert sources (town announcements, MaineDOT updates) as temporary signals or flagging may create additional delays or occasional short-term full closures.
If you have flexible scheduling for outings or appointments, build in buffer time — what would normally be a 10-minute drive may take much longer during busy periods.

In summary: yes — there are good alternatives and strategies to minimize the impact of the Cousins River Bridge construction. By using I-295 for through-traffic, timing trips carefully, and relying on local roads or recreational trails when possible, you can largely avoid getting stuck in delays.

Cousins River Bridge Construction

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