KITTERY, Maine (AP) The chief engineer for Maine’s Department of Transportation says the department may explore shutting down Exit 1 on Interstate 95 when traffic is “really bad” in the summer, so drivers can’t get off and clog local roads.

Seacoastonline.com reports Joyce Taylor told the Kittery Town Council on Monday the proposal would require further exploration. She and other DOT officials and Maine Turnpike Authority representatives met with the Town Council to discuss current construction and long-term transportation planning.

Earlier this year, town officials were fearful the Piscataqua River Bridge rehabilitation project, which began in June, would exacerbate Kittery’s epidemic of I-95 drivers diverting off the highway and clogging town roadways attempting to avoid traffic. Taylor said so far, the project has been going well.

The bridge connects Maine and New Hampshire.