Gov. Mills signs Sen. Daughtry bill to rename Desert of Maine Overpass, memorialize Matthew MacMillan

AUGUSTA — Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law a bill from Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick. LD 502, “Resolve, Designating the Desert of Maine Overpass the Matthew MacMillan Overpass,” will re-name the Desert of Maine Overpass as the Matthew MacMillan Overpass.

“I want to thank Gov. Mills for signing this really special bill,” said Sen. Daughtry. “By renaming the overpass in memory of Matthew MacMillan, we can honor this young man’s life, including all of the years he had yet to live, and help his family and friends continue their noble work to raise awareness around traffic safety.”

Matthew Thomas MacMillan of Freeport died tragically while riding his motorcycle beneath the Desert Road Overpass in 2018. Matthew was a member of the Class of 2011 at Freeport High School, where he was a star varsity football player. After Matthew graduated, he went to work for S.E. MacMillan and All State Asphalt. He was later employed by Johnson and Jordan as a plumber’s apprentice and hoped to become a journeyman. 

Matthew was active and adventurous. He loved hiking, canoeing, wood working, weightlifting and politics. Matthew was a family man, too. He watched the New York Giants with his dad, helped his mom with remodeling her house, rode ATVs with his brothers, and loved his sister. He is missed by his fiancée, Sara, and his dog, Julius.

“Since Matthew’s passing, we have honored his life by having motorcycle runs and promoting motorcycle safety awareness. Each event raised funds for others in need, including Midcoast Human Society, Freeport Fire and Rescue and a local veteran in need,” said Melody Seymour, Matthew’s mother, while speaking before the committee during the public hearing for the bill. “To rename the Desert Road Overpass is important to our family as this is where he lost his life. Where others now see a traffic light, we see a place where life was forever changed. This bridge is in a location where many residents of Freeport including classmates, coaches, teachers, friends, teammates and family would see his name and remember Matthew and all the good he brought into the lives of others.” 

In a written letter of support, the Town Council of Freeport urged the Transportation Committee to support LD 502.

On July 22, Matthews 4th Annual Look Twice Save a Life Memorial Ride will raise money for Maine Down Syndrome Network. The ride will start at the American Legion, located at 10 Webster Road in Lisbon, ME. There will be a 50/50 raffle and door prizes, followed by an after party featuring music by Pete Bushey.

LD 502 goes into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

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