MaineDOT, consultants present Route 1 Corridor active‑transportation concepts and timeline

Maine Department of Transportation staff and consultants on June 3 presented conceptual plans from the Route 1 Corridor study that would add sidewalks, widen existing sidewalks and build a 10‑foot shared use path linking Route 1 to the Wells Transportation Center and York County Community College.

Tony Grande, consultant with BHP, told the Select Board the study evaluated three main components: “improved active transportation opportunities throughout the corridor, traffic and safety improvements, and other amenities throughout the corridor.” Grande said the technical advisory committee “all agreed that the 10 foot wide path with the 4 foot separation made the most sense,” because it serves bicyclists and pedestrians and provides separation from traffic.

The concepts shown to the board include: reconstructing and widening existing sidewalks to about 6 feet, adding sidewalk on Sanford Road to Chapel Road, and a multiuse path from Chapel Road along Sanford Road to the Wells Transportation Center. Options for a route into York County Community College included using existing sidewalks, routing along the back of the campus through wooded areas, or negotiating easements through privately owned access points. The presentation also showed a possible signal at the Chapel Road/Route 1 intersection as part of the Route 1 project.

Consultants said the RFP for design work has been issued and design work will begin in June; however, because of seasonal survey constraints in Wells the team expects much of the on‑the‑ground survey work to occur in fall and winter and detailed design to follow. Grande described the presentation as conceptual and said further neighborhood outreach and detailed design are planned before final recommendations are developed.

Select Board members and residents asked about several local details: turning lanes and intersection geometry at the Chapel/Route 109 area, how changes would affect local driveways (including raised medians), and whether the plan could include a shorter connection over the rail tracks to the train station. Marty Guler of MaineDOT confirmed raised medians shown remain proposed but could be adjusted during detailed design; consultants said track‑side routing would depend on property owner easements and safety approvals.

Residents emphasized equity and practical access: one speaker said the path could benefit people without a driver’s license and college students who ride the train from Biddeford and walk to campus. Consultants said York County Community College had reviewed the plans and “seemed to be very much in favor,” and that the project had been included in MaineDOT’s work plan after the town provided a letter of support earlier this year.

Project timing described at the meeting: study work began in October 2022, an additional connectivity study was performed at the town’s request, the town provided a letter of support in January 2025, and the design RFP went out in May 2025. Presenters said significant design and survey work will likely proceed into 2026 and that outreach will continue as plans are refined.