DoomsdaysCW<p>YES! VICTORY! Public pushback makes a difference!</p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTurnpikeAuthority" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTurnpikeAuthority</span></a> drops controversial <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamConnector" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamConnector</span></a> project</p><p>by WGME Staff Thu, March 6th 2025 at 7:56 PM</p><p>GORHAM (WGME) – "The Maine Turnpike Authority is now dropping its controversial Gorham connector project.</p><p>"The project would have built a new highway from South Portland to Gorham, with the goal of easing heavy road congestion.</p><p>"The MTA paused the project last year after receiving backlash from local residents.</p><p>"The project would have required the demolition of nearly a dozen homes and confiscation of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/farmland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>farmland</span></a>."</p><p>"'There was a lot of concern, and people wondered if it's the right-sized tool for the job, a lot of people have concerns that, building another highway, there's concerns that it will just fill up,' MTA Director of Communications Erin Courtney said.</p><p>The MTA says it's heading back to the drawing board to re-examine traffic conditions and review past mobility studies to find better ways to ease congestion in the area." [Like <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LightRail" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LightRail</span></a>, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/RapidTransitBusLines" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>RapidTransitBusLines</span></a> and more <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/BikeLanes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>BikeLanes</span></a>!]</p><p><a href="https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-turnpike-authority-drops-controversial-gorham-connector-project-south-portland" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">wgme.com/news/local/maine-turn</span><span class="invisible">pike-authority-drops-controversial-gorham-connector-project-south-portland</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSmilingHillFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSmilingHillFarm</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SmilingHillFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SmilingHillFarm</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/InducedSprawl" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>InducedSprawl</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamConnector" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamConnector</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainersForSmarterTransportation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainersForSmarterTransportation</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineNews" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineNews</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamBypass" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamBypass</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamSpur" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamSpur</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/RapidTransit" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>RapidTransit</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveTheFarms" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveTheFarms</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/InducedDemand" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>InducedDemand</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Sprawl" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Sprawl</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveRedBrook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveRedBrook</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheWetlands" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheWetlands</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/BrookTrout" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>BrookTrout</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wildlife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wildlife</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/HuskyLine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HuskyLine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/RapidBusTransit" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>RapidBusTransit</span></a></p>
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#mainersforsmartertransportation
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DoomsdaysCW<p>So, unfortunately, the town of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/BuxtonMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>BuxtonMaine</span></a> said "No," to the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PedestrianWalkway" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PedestrianWalkway</span></a> and the additional cost, and so did <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/HollisMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HollisMaine</span></a> (at <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MDOT</span></a>'s urging). Having a separate pedestrian walkway on this bridge would make it safer for EVERYONE -- and a lot of pedestrians and bicyclists use the bridge, as it is the way to get from one track of preserved land to another, and also the areas where local teens swim! The traffic on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Route202" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Route202</span></a> on either side of the bridge is always going too fast, and there's a lot of large trucks and SUVs. Widening the bridge is not enough! (And yes, speed limits should be strictly enforced in this area, which includes an ice cream stand and a local library)!</p><p>I should probably contact <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainersForSmarterTransportation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainersForSmarterTransportation</span></a> and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/BicycleCoalitionOfMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>BicycleCoalitionOfMaine</span></a> and let them know what's going on...</p><p>Article from 2020, which shows the existing bridge and how much it's used by young people, as it is a popular spot in the summer!</p><p>Salmon Falls Bridge to be redesigned to deter jumping<br>The bridge between Buxton and Hollis has long been popular with youth who leap from it into the Saco River, but a planned upgrade should put a stop to that risky pastime and make it safer for all, the state says.</p><p>by Robert Lowell<br>June 1, 2020<br>Original story:<br><a href="https://www.pressherald.com/2020/06/01/salmon-falls-bridge-to-be-redesigned-to-deter-jumping/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">pressherald.com/2020/06/01/sal</span><span class="invisible">mon-falls-bridge-to-be-redesigned-to-deter-jumping/</span></a></p><p>Archived version:<br>Hollis-Buxton, Route 202, Salmon Falls Bridge</p><p>On-Demand Formal Public Meeting for replacing the Salmon Falls Bridge on Route 2020 over the Saco River at the Hollis-Buxton town line</p><p>"The Scope of Work for this project consists of a full replacement of the Salmon Falls Bridge. The preliminary scope of work that was presented at the preliminary public meeting in 2019 consisted of a deck and superstructure replacement while leaving the substructure (piers and abutments) in place since that component is in fair condition as opposed to the deck and superstructure, which are both in poor condition. After further design review, it was determined that a full replacement is a better and more cost-effective option in the long term, with reduced maintenance costs and an overall longer lifespan. The new bridge will have 5' shoulders, which accomplishes the request as noted at the preliminary meeting of providing for better bicyclist and pedestrian accommodations."</p><p><a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/483457df232143ba94cdbf9fe8173724" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4</span><span class="invisible">83457df232143ba94cdbf9fe8173724</span></a></p><p>Hollis-Buxton, Route 202, Salmon Falls Bridge</p><p>On-Demand Formal Public Meeting for replacing the Salmon Falls Bridge on Route 2020 over the Saco River at the Hollis-Buxton town line</p><p>"The Scope of Work for this project consists of a full replacement of the Salmon Falls Bridge. The preliminary scope of work that was presented at the preliminary public meeting in 2019 consisted of a deck and superstructure replacement while leaving the substructure (piers and abutments) in place since that component is in fair condition as opposed to the deck and superstructure, which are both in poor condition. After further design review, it was determined that a full replacement is a better and more cost-effective option in the long term, with reduced maintenance costs and an overall longer lifespan. The new bridge will have 5' shoulders, which accomplishes the request as noted at the preliminary meeting of providing for better bicyclist and pedestrian accommodations."</p><p><a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/483457df232143ba94cdbf9fe8173724" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4</span><span class="invisible">83457df232143ba94cdbf9fe8173724</span></a></p><p>Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System</p><p>Guidelines/Priorities for Sidewalks and Walkways<br>Introduction</p><p>"A 1.5-m- (5-ft-) wide shoulder is acceptable for pedestrians along low-volume roads"</p><p>Route 202 is NOT a low-volume road, by any means!</p><p><a href="http://www.pedbikesafe.org/PEDSAFE/resources_guidelines_sidwalkswalkways.cfm" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">http://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">pedbikesafe.org/PEDSAFE/resour</span><span class="invisible">ces_guidelines_sidwalkswalkways.cfm</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/IndianCellarPreserve" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>IndianCellarPreserve</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LandTrust" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LandTrust</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/HikingTrails" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HikingTrails</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SacoRiver" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SacoRiver</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SalmonFalls" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SalmonFalls</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineDOT</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SouthernMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SouthernMaine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SalmonFallsBridge" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SalmonFallsBridge</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>Coalition proposes alternatives to controversial <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamConnector" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamConnector</span></a> project </p><p>Maine Public | By Nicole Ogrysko<br>Published September 6, 2024 </p><p>"A coalition of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/environmental" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>environmental</span></a>, planning and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/transportation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>transportation</span></a> groups is advocating for alternatives to the controversial Gorham Connector project.</p><p>"The <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTurnpikeAuthority" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTurnpikeAuthority</span></a> has proposed a toll road that would run from Exit 45 in South Portland through Westbrook and and Scarborough to the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamBypass" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamBypass</span></a> at Route 114. Turnpike authorities have said the 4.8-mile, four-lane highway would significantly reduce traffic congestion [by a whole 10 minutes, according to MTA's own study!!!].</p><p>"But the coalition, known as <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainersForSmarterTransportation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainersForSmarterTransportation</span></a> (<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/M4ST" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>M4ST</span></a>), is out with a report this week that details a long list of recommendations for reducing congestion in the region.</p><p>"'Simply replacing some of the existing traffic lights with <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/roundabouts" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>roundabouts</span></a> would reduce congestion and reduce <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GreenhouseGas" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GreenhouseGas</span></a> emissions,' said <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PaulDrinan" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PaulDrinan</span></a>, active transportation director for the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/BicycleCoalitionOfMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>BicycleCoalitionOfMaine</span></a>, which is part of Mainers for Smarter Transportation. 'We could also convert some of the old traffic lights with what they call smart lights.'</p><p>"Other recommendations include improving the shoulders along nearby roads and adding <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/BikeLanes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>BikeLanes</span></a>. Drinan said the group is also urging the Turnpike Authority to delay the Connector project for at least two years, so that a <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/RapidBusTransit" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>RapidBusTransit</span></a> plan developed by the Greater Portland Council of Governments can take shape.</p><p>"The group also believes outdated and flawed traffic data are being used make the case for the project."</p><p>[Plus contracts and kickbacks from <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PikeIndustries" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PikeIndustries</span></a> and other vendors]</p><p><a href="https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2024-09-06/coalition-proposes-alternatives-to-controversial-gorham-connector-project" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">mainepublic.org/business-and-e</span><span class="invisible">conomy/2024-09-06/coalition-proposes-alternatives-to-controversial-gorham-connector-project</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveRedBrook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveRedBrook</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSmilingHillFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSmilingHillFarm</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamConnector" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamConnector</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamBypass" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamBypass</span></a> <br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/RapidTransit" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>RapidTransit</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LightRail" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LightRail</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveTheFarms" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveTheFarms</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wildlife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wildlife</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LightRail" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LightRail</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>Upcoming meeting! Find out about alternatives to the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamConnector" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamConnector</span></a> in Southern <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a>! <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LessCars" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LessCars</span></a>, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MorePublicTransportation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MorePublicTransportation</span></a>!</p><p>Gorham Notes: Aug. 29, 2024<br>by Robert Lowell</p><p>"Gorham connector forum<br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainersForSmarterTransportation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainersForSmarterTransportation</span></a> have a community forum planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WestbrookMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WestbrookMaine</span></a> Community Center on the proposed Gorham Connector to the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTurnpike" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTurnpike</span></a>. </p><p>"The <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTurnpikeAuthority" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTurnpikeAuthority</span></a> is proposing a 5-mile, four-lane connector from the roundabout on Gorham’s South Street to Exit 45 in South Portland.<br>The plan calls for the connector to slice through <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SmilingHillFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SmilingHillFarm</span></a> and has generated an extensive public outcry. The connector is aimed at easing the heavy commuter traffic in the routes 22 and 114 corridor through <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamMaine</span></a>, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ScarboroughMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ScarboroughMaine</span></a> and Westbrook."</p><p>Original article [may be behind paywall]:<br><a href="https://www.pressherald.com/2024/08/29/gorham-notes-aug-29/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">pressherald.com/2024/08/29/gor</span><span class="invisible">ham-notes-aug-29/</span></a></p><p>Archive:<br><a href="https://archive.md/qDpDR#selection-2399.0-2413.250" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">archive.md/qDpDR#selection-239</span><span class="invisible">9.0-2413.250</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSmilingHillFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSmilingHillFarm</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamConnector" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamConnector</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamBypass" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamBypass</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSmilingHill" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSmilingHill</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamSpur" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamSpur</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/RapidTransit" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>RapidTransit</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LightRail" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LightRail</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveTheFarms" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveTheFarms</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/InducedDemand" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>InducedDemand</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Sprawl" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Sprawl</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveRedBrook" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveRedBrook</span></a></p>
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