Sen. Talbot Ross shares 2025 MDOT work plan for state bridge and road projects

Posted: April 09, 2025 | Senator Talbot Ross

AUGUSTA – On April 9, 2025, Senator Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, announced the details of Maine’s three-year transportation infrastructure work plan and what it means for Senate District 28. The plan is released annually with an outline of the Maine Department of Transportation’s strategy for road, bridge and other transportation upgrades and maintenance projects.

According to the Maine DOT, the three-year work plan makes a historic $4.8 billion investment in construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure across the state. It includes 2,716 individual work items for the calendar years 2025, 2026 and 2027.

In 2025, the Maine DOT will undertake numerous projects to improve transportation in Portland, such as updating public transportation infrastructure, creating new walking and bicycle trails and improving roadway safety for motorists and pedestrians.

“These investments will make a real difference in the daily lives of Portland residents — strengthening our roads, expanding transit options, and creating safer routes for all,” said Sen. Talbot Ross. “As a tourism destination and economic hub for the region, Portland depends on reliable, resilient infrastructure. This work plan helps ensure our city remains vibrant, connected and accessible to everyone who lives, works and visits here.”

The following breakdown is the planned capital and maintenance work by MDOT for Portland in 2025:

Bicycle/Bus/Pedestrian

  • Construct a multi-use trail along the abandoned Union Branch railway extending from Park Avenue to Forest Avenue.
  • Improvements to the on-road sidewalk/trail on York Street/High Street beginning at State Street and extending north 0.16 of a mile to High Street. Beginning at Commercial Street and extending northwest 0.05 of a mile to York Street.
  • Construction of a new facility in the Greater Portland Transit District.
  • Rehabilitate the Portland Transportation Center (PTC) located off Thompson Point Road.
  • Safety improvements on Route 302 beginning 0.02 of a mile northwest of Newton Street and extending northwest 0.76 of a mile to Riverside Street.
  • New construction of an on-road sidewalk/trail on Route 1A beginning at Beach Street and extending north 0.36 of a mile to Park Street.

Bridge and Structural Maintenance

  • Bridge improvements to multiple bridges on Interstate 295.

Drainage Maintenance

  • Rehabilitate a large culvert on Interstate 295 Southbound located 0.10 of a mile north of the Interstate 295 Exit 7 southbound off-ramp.

Ferry/Pier Operations

  • Improvements to the passenger Ferry Program in Casco Bay Island Transit District.
  • New Construction at the International Marine Terminal located at the West Commercial Street Intermodal Facility.

Freight

  • Remove the Rubb building at the International Marine Terminal located off Commercial Street.

Highway Construction/Rehabilitation and Safety Improvements

  • Intersection improvements to the intersection of Route 25, Colonial Road, Columbia Road and Woodford Street.
  • Reconstruct Route 302 (Forest Avenue) beginning at Morrill’s Corner and extending north 0.08 of a mile. 
  • Highway improvements at the intersection of Skyway Drive, Route 22, Hutchinson Drive.
  • Reconstruct the intersection on Forest Avenue beginning at Marginal Way and extending southeast 0.20 of a mile to Park Avenue. PACTS Sponsored.
  • Highway improvements on Route 22 Beginning 0.05 of a mile east of the Westbrook town line and extending west 3.18 miles. 

Highway Paving

  • Pave Route 22/ Fore River Parkway beginning at interstate 295 Exit 5B southbound off-ramp and extending west 0.51 of a mile on Route 22. Beginning at Route 22 and extending south 0.21 of a mile on Fore River Parkway.
  • Pave Route 1A beginning 0.04 of a mile east of Valley Street and extending east 0.63 of a mile. Includes 0.21 of a mile of divided highway.
  • Pave Route 1A/ Route 1AS beginning 0.51 of a mile south of I-295 and extending south 0.82 of a mile. Beginning 0.07 of a mile north of I-295 and extending north 0.03 of a mile. Beginning 0.03 of a mile south of Valley Street and extending north 0.69 of a mile. 
  • Cyclical pavement resurfacing on Deering Avenue: Beginning at Route 9 and extends south 0.72 of a mile. Route 25: Beginning at Route 22 and extends north 0.48 of a mile. Route 9: Beginning at Stevens Ave. and extends east 0.55 of a mile. Woodford Street: Includes 0.38 of a mile.

Policy, Planning, and Research

  • Conduct a planning study on the Gorham Connector to evaluate and document the active transportation and transit needs for future programming. 
  • Planning on Route 1A (Franklin Street) beginning at Commercial Street and extending northwest 0.76 of a mile to I-295 on an off ramp.
  • Research conceptual design work for the transit routes outlined in the Gorham-Westbrook-Portland Rapid Transit Study. Administered by Greater Portland Metro in cooperation with and financially supported by Maine DOT and the Maine Turnpike Authority.

Ports and Harbors

  • Cliff and Little Diamond Island Pier Assessment.
  • Improvements at Custom House Wharf to provide a significant and compelling benefit to Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. 
  • Improvements at Maine Wharf to provide a significant and compelling benefit to Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. 
  • Improvements at Portland Pier Holdings to provide a significant and compelling benefit to Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. 
  • Improvements at Widgery Wharf to provide a significant and compelling benefit to Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. 

System Operations

  • Conduct ADA operating assistance at Greater Portland Transit District (GPTD) – METRO
  • Capital equipment purchase for Greater Portland Transit District (GPTD) – METRO
  • Conduct operating assistance on Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, including farebox revenue
  • Conduct operating assistance at Greater Portland Transit District (GPTD) – METRO
  • Capital equipment purchase for Portland area transit agencies. 
  • Capital eligible maintenance for Northern New England Passenger Authority.
  • Capital equipment purchase for Casco Bay Island Transit District (CBITD)
  • Capital eligible maintenance for Casco Bay Lines
  • Capital equipment purchase for enhanced mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities.
  • A 2-year pilot, operating a commuter bus service between Portland and Lewiston/Auburn.
  • Transit administrative assistance for statewide non-urbanized transit.
  • Transit operating assistance for statewide non-urbanized transit.
  • Capital equipment purchase and discretionary grant for Greater Portland Transit District (GPTD) – METRO.

View the entire 2025-2026-2027 Three-Year MDOT Work Plan at www.mainedot.gov.

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