Rep. Tiffany Roberts: South Berwick traffic-light project is "alive" but still lacks construction funding

State Representative Tiffany Roberts briefed the South Berwick Town Council on July 9 about the status of the downtown Main Street traffic-light project, saying the work is progressing but is not yet fully funded for construction.

Roberts said preliminary engineering and right-of-way work (approximately $520,000) is secured, but roughly $4.23 million remains outstanding for final design and construction. The funding pathway shifted to congressional directed spending (earmarks) in recent cycles; an earmark request would have to clear the federal appropriations process and be approved for construction dollars to be available. "The project is alive. It's moving forward. It has support, but it is not yet fully funded, and the construction is not expected next year," Roberts said.

Interim Town Manager Jennifer added that Sebago Technics has produced a 55% preliminary design and MaineDOT will provide a solid cost estimate once the plan is finalized; a public workshop is tentatively planned for late September. Roberts recommended residents and the council continue to contact the federal delegation to express support if they wish the project to advance in the current federal cycle.

Why it matters: The intersection in question is central to downtown safety and access, and the town has planned project elements for sidewalks, drainage, and road reconstruction. At present, the timeline described places final design and right-of-way work through 2026 and potential construction staging not earlier than 2028, subject to successful federal appropriations.

Next steps: Town staff will continue coordinating with MaineDOT and Sebago Technics, prepare for an in-person public workshop tentatively in late September, and track the federal appropriations process through the fall.