MaineDOT Commissioner Van Note Announces August 2025 Retirement

Bruce Van Note will retire as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation on August 15, 2025, ending a career in public service and transportation spanning more than 30 years. Appointed by Governor Janet Mills in 2019, Van Note led MaineDOT through significant infrastructure projects including the Madawaska-Edmunston International Bridge, the I-395/Route 9 Connector, and multimodal investments totaling over $500 million. Under his leadership, MaineDOT delivered $2.5 billion in capital projects, including hundreds of bridge and highway improvements, while navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages, rising construction costs, and severe winter storm damages. Governor Mills praised Van Note's practical leadership and his legacy of improving public safety, infrastructure, and economic opportunity across Maine, appointing Deputy Commissioner Dale Doughty as acting commissioner following Van Note's departure. U.S. Senator Susan Collins highlighted his collaborative work on over $1 billion in transportation projects and his understanding of Maine’s rural connectivity challenges. Van Note described his time as commissioner as the honor and privilege of his life, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve Maine with the support of Governor Mills and his teams.