Crews have begun the construction of a new interchange on Interstate 95 at Trafton Road in Waterville.

The Sargent Corporation of Stillwater, Maine, was the successful low bidder for the $4.66 million project.

The project consists of a half-cloverleaf pattern at Trafton Road near the Sidney town line, allowing motorists to get on or off in either the north or southbound direction.

Additional work necessary to accommodate the interchange will include upgrades to the Trafton Road overpass bridge, drainage improvements to Eight Rod and Trafton Roads and the addition of turning lanes at the intersection of Trafton and West River Road.

The majority of work will be conducted with shoulder closures on I-95 and may be reduced to one lane during allowable times. I-95 and Trafton Road will be closed for two nights from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. While those two nights have yet to be determined, variable message boards will alert drivers in advance. All work on other roads will be accomplished with alternating one-way traffic assisted by flaggers.

It is anticipated all work will be completed by the end of June 2017.

This project is realized through MaineDOT's Business Partnership Initiative (BPI). Due to limited federal funds available, the BPI program uses both public and private money for projects that help spur economic development and provide a broader public benefit.

The BPI is geared toward projects that assist local economic development efforts and divides the cost among three parties: the state, local government and business.

For this project, Trafton Properties Inc., which holds land near the site of the new interchange, funded $1.9 million while MaineDOT also contributed $1.9 million. In addition, the federal Economic Development Administration awarded a grant of $993,000.