Hang onto your hats: ’15 was a record-setter for Maine Turnpike

The Maine Turnpike set an all-time record for drivers using the tollbooth system across its 109-mile network.

The authority told The Portland Press Herald that the breaking of the previous record set in 2007 is an indicator the state’s economy is returning to pre-recession levels.

Over 79.5 million drivers paid tolls last year, totaling $128.2 million in revenue, easily topping the 2007 record of 76 million commuters.

“Traffic is back,” said Peter Mills, the authority’s executive director. “To the extent that we are a harbinger of success for the Maine economy, hang onto your hats.”

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