BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – A Bangor business says it is fearing for the future in the face of a Maine Department of Transportation project that could affect access to its property.
Swett’s Tire & Auto Inc., a family-owned business that has lived on Hogan Road since 1966, worries the upcoming project could reduce customer access.
The Bangor Diverging Diamond Interchange project intends to replace the overpass that connects Interstate 95 to Hogan Road. Plans include installing a median from the interstate to Haskell Road.
“August of ’24, they started proposing the plans. It was going to be a two-way in and out with a parking lot back behind our building. This was the initial plan. We didn’t love it. We still think we need access from Hogan Road, but it was going to allow us to have a way for customers to get into our parking lot,” explains general manager Prentiss Swett. “So, it was up until we got a letter on March 24th from the attorney from DOT that said they decided they’re not going to do that.”
Under these current plans, Swett’s exit would become right-turn-only. Drivers familiar with entering from the left from the I-95 will instead have to turn left at the light at Haskell Road to then turn around.
Swett describes the prospect of blocking easy entrance and exit for patrons as devastating.
“This is our family business. This is where the majority of our income comes from. It has for years. This location has provided for my family, my whole life, and we just feel like we’re being targeted now,” Swett describes. “Our fear is this will eventually force us to close the doors unless something changes, because if people can’t get here, it’s not really a convenience store.”
Swett says he was told Tuesday afternoon through state representatives that Maine DOT is working towards a plan to honor the agreement in constructing a rear entrance.
Maine DOT has not yet provided response.
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