Saco staff seek council direction on size of Ferry Road culvert replacement to align permits, multimodal plans

SACO, Maine — The city’s interim public works director told the Saco City Council at a March 3 workshop that design choices for the Ferry Road culvert replacement must reflect the long-term intent for the corridor so state and federal permits match the eventual roadway width and pedestrian/bicycle facilities.

"We're in the permitting process right now," Interim Director of Public Works Travis Moore said, adding the purpose of the workshop was "to get some direction on what we look for the long term goal of that corridor, so that we can get the permitting for the correct length to begin with." Moore presented three alternatives and cost comparisons and answered questions from councilors.

Why it matters: The chosen culvert length and roadway configuration affect which state and federal reviews apply, how much wetland impact must be permitted and what property impacts or easements may be needed up the corridor toward Bayview. Choosing a larger structure now avoids the higher expense of enlarging foundations and driven piles later, Moore said.

Moore said the original design — driven by earlier…