MaineDOT outlines programs, new speed‑management and quick‑build plans for active transportation

Dakota Hewlett, active transportation planner and bicycle‑pedestrian coordinator at the Maine Department of Transportation, told regional partners that MaineDOT offers multiple programs to help municipalities plan and build bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and that the agency is updating how it sets speed limits and implements “quick‑build” pilot projects.

Hewlett said the department’s Planning Partnership Initiative lets municipalities hire consultants with state cost‑share for planning studies such as active‑transportation plans, traffic and feasibility studies, and village or downtown conceptual work. He described a Village Partnership Initiative to scope “transformative” downtown projects and a Municipal Partnership Initiative for core road network work such as repaving or drainage improvements.

“These could be town‑wide or slightly regional, where we’re planning for network‑level connections when it comes to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure,” Hewlett said. “It’s a great opportunity for a municipality to partner with the state.”

The story: why it matters

The programs Hewlett described provide planning and construction funding pathways for municipalities that want to improve sidewalks, crossings, bike lanes and other pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Hewlett also outlined a new speed‑setting process and a planned state program to cost‑share temporary demonstration projects, which could allow towns to test treatments before committing to permanent construction.

Key program details and timelines

- Planning Partnership Initiative (PPI): locally initiated cost‑sharing program for planning…