This Stretch of Highway in Maine is a ‘Merging Hell’

For the most part, traveling on highways in Maine is a relative joy compared to other states. Less consistent traffic, fewer total drivers and an entire highway system that is generally well maintained.

But that doesn't mean there aren't some pain points.

One of the most glaring pain points for everyday drivers is a stretch of Interstate 295 that has truly become a "merging hell". It would behoove motorists to remind themselves of a sign that went viral in Utah, That sign read "it's a lane, not a birthright".

The pain begins and ends with the piece of interstate between the merging point for the Maine Mall road and the merging point for Washington Avenue in Portland. That stretch features several on ramps that all feel tight, abrupt and chaotic.

At many hours throughout the day, drivers can feel squeezed on the two lane highway as a car suddenly attempts to jut in from a short and narrow on ramp. Many drivers simply to do not have the skill set to make a quick and proper decision to gently slow down and let another vehicle merge in.

A simple Google search will result in dozens of articles of crashes in or around on ramps over the past few years. Many of those crashes resulted in traffic snarls and driver injury.

So what can be done about all the chaos? The short answer is nothing.

When I-295 was designed many years ago, it was never intended to see as many motorists as it does. It also wasn't designed as though everyone was attempting to win the checkered flag at the Daytona 500. The only way to stop the "merging hell" would be for motorists to behave better.