Final downtown streetscape and transportation study recommends one‑way improvements, bike lanes and waterfront park; cost estimate $42.45M

The Infrastructure Committee on Feb. 19 received the final Downtown Bangor Transportation and Streetscape Improvements Study, a MaineDOT‑partner planning effort that lays out three circulation options, recommends intersection and streetscape improvements, and estimates a total program cost of $42,450,000.

Jefferson Davis, Director of Engineering, said the study is a feasibility document intended to support future design and construction funding applications. "This is just a feasibility study. There's no construction funds or engineering funds included with this aspect of it," Davis said. He and the consultant team said the study is intended to position the city to pursue preliminary engineering and construction funds with MaineDOT and federal programs.

The consultant team (Sewell and View Shed) and MaineDOT presented the process: an initial public workshop (May 22, 2024), two digital surveys (May–July and Sept. 19–Oct. 5) that drew 104 and 399 responses respectively, a sidewalk‑festival engagement, detailed fieldwork and a traffic and safety analysis. Project manager Jody O'Neil of Sewell summarized the recommended measures for the…