Back to Fort Fairfield Journal      WFFJ-TV      Contact Us

 

Construction Begins on Fiber Optic Internet Line in Fort Fairfield

 

Fort Fairfield Journal, October 26, 2016

 

Construction will soon begin on a high-speed Internet project in parts of Fort Fairfield and Presque Isle that could lead to some minor traffic delays for motorists, but will ultimately vastly improve Internet speeds and reliability for residents and businesses in the area.  Contractors with Pioneer Broadband will begin installing fiber optic cables and electronic equipment that will support a new fiber-to-the-home project that will begin serving more than ninety homes and businesses laterthis fall.

   “We ask drivers to use caution when traveling in the area of Maple Grove Road, Presque Isle Rd (Route 167) and Houlton Road.  Please be alert for utility crews making the necessary installations of cable and equipment,” stated Don Flewelling, Pioneer Broadband’s Director of Public Relations.  “Some pole and tree work has already started and we hope to have the line work complete in October.  While crews may be in one area for part of a day, they will be moving throughout the area doing work, so we ask motorists to be aware and give construction crews the space they need to safely install this critical infrastructure.”  

   The roughly $250,000 project will improve Internet access for unserved locations along Maple Grove, Presque Isle Road and portions of the Houlton Road in the town of Fort Fairfield.   Pioneer Broadband was awarded nearly $200,000 in grant funding from the ConnectME Authority to help facilitate the design and construction of this much needed service. 

   “We have a short construction window here in Northern Maine to fit in all the necessary repairs and improvements to maintain and enhance our roads and utilities,” explained Tim Goff, Marketing and Economic Director for the Town of Fort Fairfield.  “We ask people to be patient with any minor delays that occur during the construction process and to be especially cautious entering work zones as crews will be moving frequently as they install the fiber optic backbone of the system.   Members of the Fort Fairfield Police Department have been notified of the upcoming work schedule and will be vigilant in enforcing our traffic laws to provide additional support to work crews and to enhance the safety for everyone involved.”

   Pioneer Broadband expects to have the project completed and ready to sign on new subscribers this fall. 

   For more information contact:   Don Flewelling at (207) 532-1254;  don@pioneerbroadband.net