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Downtown Gateway demonstration striping planned; $2.17 million project to add bike lanes, left‑turn pockets and new signal
Summary
Director Moore updated council on the Gateway Project from the Biddeford–Saco line past the train station: traffic signal equipment is arriving, a temporary striping demonstration will be paved this summer, and the project budget totals about $2.17 million with most funding in place.
Director Moore presented the Downtown Gateway Concept Plan update on July 14, describing a project that extends from the Biddeford‑Saco town line north past the train station and will add a new signal, center left‑turn pockets, bike lanes and sidewalk and lighting improvements.
Moore said civil work for the signal is complete and traffic signal poles, mast arms, cameras and cabinets are scheduled to begin arriving next month. As a near‑term test, staff plan to repave the corridor with a thin wearing course and install painted islands and new lane striping this summer so the city can assess traffic patterns before building permanent islands. “It'll definitely give us a chance to see how that road functions in that new configuration,” Moore told the council.
Moore said estimated project cost is $2,170,000. To date the city has $1,870,000 in identified funds: $200,000 allocated in FY25, $549,000 in developer contributions, $371,000 from an Urban Partnership Initiative (part of a PAX grant) and an FY26 allocation of $750,000.
Councilors asked about physically protected bike lanes, the timing of night work to minimize traffic disruption and signal coordination with Biddeford and the Water Street signal. Moore said delineators could be added and that the signal equipment would communicate with Biddeford’s system; the demonstration paving and striping are planned for night work to reduce daytime impacts.
Why it matters: The corridor is a key gateway into downtown Saco. The changes could affect vehicle lane configurations, pedestrian crossings and bicycle safety and influence downtown access and development.
What comes next: Demonstration paving and striping are planned for late July/early August; staff will collect data, consult traffic safety and BPAC, then proceed with design and construction through 2026–27.
Ending: Councilors asked staff to explore additional sidewalk connectivity and potential funding (including TIF or developer contributions) and to return with updates as the demonstration is implemented.
