Sen. Talbot Ross shares 2026 MDOT work plan for state bridge and road projects

Posted: March 04, 2026 | Senator Talbot Ross

AUGUSTA – Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, is pleased to announce 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 $4.5 billion investment in the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure across the state. It includes 2,798 individual work items for the calendar years 2026, 2027 and 2028. 

In 2026, the Maine DOT will undertake numerous projects to improve transportation in Senate District 28, such as major investments through the Village Partnership Initiative to support new multiuse trails, bridge connections and mobility improvements associated with the Roux Institute redevelopment. 

“Transportation infrastructure is fundamentally about people and their access to opportunity, safety and community,” said Sen. Talbot Ross. “These investments strengthen Portland’s future by improving connectivity and supporting thoughtful redevelopment that benefits working families, students and businesses alike. I am proud to see projects in this work plan that reflect our shared commitment to resilient and inclusive growth for Portland.”  

The following breakdown includes examples of the planned capital and maintenance work by MDOT for communities in Senate District 28 in calendar year 2026: 

Bicycle/Pedestrian

  • Cape Elizabeth, Portland, South Portland: Priority Corridor and Centers Pedestrian-Bicyclist Safety and Access Project in various locations. 
  • Cumberland, Falmouth, Portland, Yarmouth: Coordination and design of 9.40 miles between Portland and Yarmouth on the Casco Bay Trail.
  • Portland: Multiuse trail/separated bikeways on the Union Branch Trail Connector extending from Park Avenue to Fore River Parkway Trail.
  • Portland: On-road sidewalk/trail work 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.

Bridge and Structural Maintenance

  • Portland: Repairing sidewalks on Deering Avenue Bridge (#6280), which carries Deering Avenue over Interstate 295 in Portland. Located 185 feet southeast of the intersection of Washburn Avenue.
  • Portland, South Portland: Multiple Bridges on Interstate 295.

Highway Construction/Rehabilitation

  • Portland: Congress Street/Park Avenue beginning at Marginal Way and extending southeast 0.20 of a mile to Park Avenue on Forest Avenue. 
  • Portland: Village Partnership Initiative. New multiuse trails and bridge, mobility and other improvements associated with the Roux Institute redevelopment. 
  • Portland: Village Partnership Initiative. Sherwood Street Bike/Ped Improvements and Shoreline Restoration and Resiliency with Campus Bike/Ped Trail.

Highway Paving

  • Portland: Route 77W beginning 0.01 of a mile north of Route 77 and extending north 0.15 of a mile.
  • Portland: Municipal Partnership Initiative. Baxter Boulevard beginning at Spiller Street and extending north 1.34 miles to Route 25. Beginning 0.26 of a mile northwest of Inlet Road and extending northwest 0.26 of a mile.
  • Portland: Municipal Partnership Initiative. Route 77W beginning at Congress Street and extending north 0.31 of a mile to Park Avenue. 
  • Portland: Saint John Street/Danforth Street beginning at Vaughn Street and extending northwest 0.94 of a mile to Congress Street. Beginning at Falmouth Street and extending north 0.31 of a mile north to Brighton Avenue. 
  • Portland: Fore Street/Commercial Street beginning at Hancock Street and extending south 0.67 of a mile to Center Street. Beginning at Franklin Street and extending north 0.11 of a mile to India Street.

Highway Safety and Spot Improvements

  • Portland: Large culvert (#46958) located 0.10 of a mile north of the Interstate 295 Exit 7 southbound off-ramp.
  • Portland: Village Partnership Initiative. Route 1A (Franklin Street) beginning at Commercial Street and extending northwest 0.76 of a mile to I-295 on and off ramps on Franklin Street.

Highway System Operations

  • Portland: Three pilot projects for Traffic Signal Operations.

Ports-Harbors

  • Portland: Purchase and installation of Radiation Portal Monitors (RPM) equipment to scan all incoming freight containers to the International Marine Terminal.
  • Portland: Cliff and Little Diamond Island Pier Assessment.
  • Portland: Marine buildings and facilities improvements on the International Marine Terminal.


Special Programs

  • Portland: Replace an existing 18-inch storm drain with a 42-inch storm drain between Maple Street and Center Street. A new 42″ separated storm drain outfall with tidal backflow prevention valve will be installed at the south-western corner of Portland Fish Pier.
  • Portland: Construction of stormwater improvements on the Union Branch Pathway. 
  • Portland: Grant Program for Wharves and Piers that provides a significant and compelling benefit to Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries.

View the entire 2026-2027-2028 Three-Year MDOT Work Plan at www.mainedot.gov.  

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