The Maine Department of Transportation said they are pleased with the adjustment drivers have had to make within the first 10 hours of Interstate 295’s closure. Southbound drivers now must take the Maine Turnpike or Route 201 for an 18-mile stretch.

“All reports we’ve heard today say it’s been a steady and smooth flow of traffic,” spokeswoman Meg Lane said.

Lane said she’s received only “a few complaints” this morning from Route 201 residents who were concerned commercial vehicles have opted to use Route 201 over the Turnpike.

“We plan to focus on getting people to use the Turnpike,” Lane said.

Some residents agreed, though added traffic is much heavier than what they are used to.

“The traffic is not real bad,” said Linda Leclair, a sales clerk at Pat’s Convenience Store at Routes 201 and 197. “There’s quite a bit more than there was, but it seems to be flowing pretty well.”

Leclair, who also lives along Route 201, said the volume of traffic appeared heavier than usual before 6 a.m.

— Meghan V. Malloy and Betty Adams