KENNEBEC JOURNAL • June 19, 2022
The creation of the Maine Turnpike Authority was approved by the Legislature in 1941, but the country’s entrance into World War II put the project on hold. Much like the rest of the U.S., when the war was over in 1945, an explosion of construction and infrastructure projects began, including the Maine Turnpike. The turnpike is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year as the nation's second "superhighway" and world's first asphalt highway, helping make Maine a true 'vacationland.'