Waterville, Maine – Two Maine Department of Transportation workers were killed Tuesday morning after a minivan entered a highway construction zone on Interstate 95 and knocked them off a bridge, according to state police. The incident unfolded during active road work and led to hours-long traffic disruptions as investigators examined the scene.
Incident Overview
The fatal crash occurred just after 9:30 a.m. on the southbound side of I-95 at a bridge construction site in Waterville. Authorities said a gray Kia minivan failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the end of an on-ramp before attempting to merge into traffic, setting off a chain of events that turned deadly.
Two workers were struck and propelled off the bridge onto Kennedy Memorial Drive below, where they were pronounced dead at the scene.
Timeline of Events
According to investigators, the minivan entered the on-ramp and did not stop at the clearly marked stop sign. As it attempted to merge into the passing lane of I-95 south, it was struck by a southbound tractor-trailer.
The collision forced the minivan into the nearby construction area where Maine DOT workers were actively on duty.
Details From Police and Officials
Maine State Police described the sequence of events in a detailed statement released Tuesday afternoon.
“As a result of the collision, the minivan was forced into the work zone, striking three Maine Department of Transportation workers who were working at the site,” police said. “The impact propelled two of the workers over the bridge and onto Kennedy Memorial Drive below.”
Police later confirmed the identities of the victims as James Brown, 60, and Dwayne Campbell, 51, both residents of Waterville and longtime DOT employees.
A third DOT worker who was also struck was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries that were described as not life-threatening.
Driver and Vehicle Information
Authorities said the minivan was driven by a 34-year-old woman, who was also hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Two children were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash and were not injured.
The driver of the tractor-trailer involved in the collision was not hurt, police said.
As of Tuesday evening, no charges had been announced. State police emphasized that the investigation remains active and that crash reconstruction teams are still reviewing evidence from the scene. Updates are expected as the investigation continues, according to information shared by the Maine State Police and published through official channels such as the Maine State Police website.
Traffic Impact and Road Closures
The crash forced the complete shutdown of southbound I-95 for several hours as emergency crews responded and investigators documented the scene. Traffic was diverted while crews worked to clear debris and ensure the area was safe.
By approximately 1 p.m., officials confirmed that one southbound lane had reopened, easing congestion in the area. Full reopening depended on the completion of the investigation and removal of damaged equipment from the work zone.
Additional Context: Work Zone Safety Risks
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by highway construction and maintenance workers. Work zones on interstates often involve reduced reaction times, complex traffic patterns, and heavy vehicles moving at high speeds.
Transportation officials consistently urge drivers to slow down, follow posted signs, and remain alert in construction areas. Failure to obey traffic control devices, including temporary stop signs and lane restrictions, can have catastrophic consequences, as seen in this case.
Conclusion
The deaths of James Brown and Dwayne Campbell have sent shockwaves through the Waterville community and the Maine DOT workforce. As investigators continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash, officials are once again reminding motorists of their responsibility to drive cautiously through work zones where lives are at risk every day.
If you have driven through active construction zones or witnessed close calls on highways, share your experiences in the comments below.
