Reimagining Route 1
Why do we need to "reimagine" route 1?
At regional meetings in 2023, several towns cited Route 1 as a place where they want to increase safety, establish better connections for vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians, identify development opportunities, and figure out how to integrate community needs and desires along the corridor. At one point, a town manager said it would be nice if we could all work together so that separate plans for the road – including lane configurations and multiuse pathways – could be better aligned. “It would be great if we could basically reimagine Route 1 across all of our communities,” he said, and the idea caught on.
ABOUT ROUTE 1
Route 1 travels through nine (9) communities in our project area, stretching from Biddeford in the south to Freeport in the north. The road varies considerably across these 40 miles, with some segments serving mostly a means of getting somewhere else while others are popular destinations with defined character and sense of place. It ranges in width from 2-6 lanes and has speed limits from 25 to 60mph. As a high-use corridor, it plays an important role in our region, connecting neighborhoods and communities, supporting local organizations and businesses, and helping people access daily needs, from groceries and doctors’ appointments to work and recreation opportunities. The corridor has been highlighted in recent plans, including at least one considering its potential for rapid transit, and right now many cities and towns are eyeing projects on, or adjacent to, this key roadway.
PROJECT GOALS
Reimagining Route 1 is an in-depth assessment of the Route 1 corridor from Biddeford to Freeport. The study will be informed by data collection and analysis, reviews of existing plans, community visioning sessions, and stakeholder meetings. Ultimately, the project seeks to advance a more complete vision of Route 1 by producing an actionable plan that: - Suggests safety, infrastructure, and placemaking improvements supportive of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and freight operators. - Matches areas of the corridor with feasible improvements, so that each community along it can advance the vision independently. - Considers opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions for enhanced transit and rapid transit. - Identifies electrification initiatives and potential charging locations to encourage and accommodate electric vehicles. - Considers additional housing and mixed-use development opportunities in and around the corridor’s designated priority centers. - Prioritizes 15-20 transportation projects; and develops construction cost estimates and identifies potential funding sources.
Greater Portland Council of Governments
Project Lead: Belinda Ray