Work plan for state bridge and road projects unveiled

Posted: February 01, 2016 | Senator Alfond

AUGUSTA – Democratic Sens. Justin Alfond  and Anne Haskell of Portland are pleased to share the details of Maine’s three-year transportation infrastructure work plan, and what it means for Portland and Westbrook. The plan is released annually with an outline of the Maine Department of Transportation’s strategy for road, bridge and other transportation projects throughout the state.

“The network transportation infrastructure in Maine is integral to our daily lives and it is vital we maintain and upgrade it,” said Sen. Alfond.

According to the MDOT, the work plan includes more than $2.2 billion worth of construction and maintenance, of which $520 million is scheduled for 497 capital projects in 2016. Included are projects for highways and bridges, transit (bus), passenger and freight railroad, aviation, ferries, ports and other marine facilities, and bicycle-pedestrian access.

“These projects are significant investments in the area and I look forward to seeing the results of this work,” said Sen. Haskell.

The Senators stressed the importance of funding for the MDOT work plan and its investment to Portland, Westbrook, and the entire state. The following breakdown is what the planned capital and maintenance work will mean for these communities in 2016:

Aviation

  • Safety and infrastructure improvements at Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Bridges (Other)

  • Work on the Veranda Street Bridge that takes Interstate 295 over Veranda Street in Portland
  • Within the Casco Bay Island Transit District, work on Peaks Island, specifically: the apron, transfer bridge, fender supports, concrete, roof of the passenger area, and fencing

Freight

  • Work at the West Commercial Street Intermodal Facility

Highway Preservation Paving

  • On Warren Avenue in Westbrook, beginning at Cumberland Street (and the triangle – 0.08 miles) and extending northeasterly 0.86 miles
  • On Interstate 295 southbound, beginning 0.07 miles north of the Lewiston Road Off Ramp and extending south 21.50 miles
  • On Washington Street in Portland as part of the Municipal Partnership Initiative, beginning at Summit Street and extending north 2.68 miles
  • On Danforth Street in Portland beginning at York Street extending southwest 0.20 miles to High Street

Highway Safety and Spot Improvements

  • On Somerset Street in Portland, a feasibility study and alternatives analysis for the extension of Somerset Street from Hanover Street to Forest Avenue, combining with the intersection at High Street and Forest Avenue
  • On Route 77  in Portland, preliminary engineering work on the Casco Bay Bridge over the Fore River at the Portland-South Portland town line
  • On Route 22 in Portland, new controller, control cabinet, mast arms, foundations, signal heads and video detection at Westbrook Street
  • On Interstate 295 northbound, replacing signs between Interstate 295 northbound and southbound at Exit 4 and Exit 9

Maintenance

  • Replacing concrete wearing surface for Stroudwater Fore River Bridge, which carries Congress Street over Fore River in Portland
  • Replacing two bridge joints on Canadian National Rail Road Bridge which carries traffic over railroad tracks that cross I-295 southbound

Marine

  • Electrical repairs and the installation of a hoist to Gates 3 and 4 at the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal
  • Various repairs to the Wabanaki ferry while it is in dry dock
  • Engineering and installation of a crane on the Wabanaki ferry
  • State Match to 2016 Port Security Grant Award at the West Commericial Street Intermodal Facility
  • Replace bolts, bracing and piles on Great Diamond, Little Diamond, Long Island, Chebeague as part of the Casco Bay Island Transit District
  • Two allocations for capital improvements for the FTA Passenger Ferry Program
  • Marina expansion located at Fore Street Marina
  • Phase 2 improvements, including relocation of the gas company and Unitil relocation at the West Commericial Street Intermodal Facility

Other Work

  • On Route 1A, the Franklin Street Corridor Feasibility Study and Preliminary Engineering for Intersection Improvements: Located at Marginal Way, Fox Street and Somerset Street

Public Transportation

  • Urban Transportation Operating – FTA Section 5307 for CMAQ transfer, Metro for operating start up, Year 1
  • Urban Transit Capital – FTA Section 5339 Capital Assistance Portland UZA
  • Urban Transit Capital – FTA Section 5337 Capital Assistance Portland UZA Fixed Guideway
  • Urban Transit Capital – FTA Section 5307 for capital projects at the Portland Transit Agencies
  • Urban Transit ADA Operating – FTA Section 5307 for ADA operating at the Portland Transit Agencies
  • Urban Transit Operating – FTA Section 5307 for Operating Assistance at the Portland Transit Agencies
  • Scoping and design for replacement or rehabilitation of the Portland Transportation Center
  • Urban Transit Planning – FTA Section 5307 for urban transit planning in Portland

Click here to view local road assistance totals and maintenance accomplishments for 2015, the funding estimates for 2016 projects, and the full list of Portland and Westbrook projects for years 2017 and 2018.

The entire MDOT work plan can be viewed here.