Projects

Route 1 Corridor Complete Streets Plan

Route 1 Corridor Complete Streets Plan

Scarborough and Saco, Maine
United States
Route 1 Corridor Complete Streets Plan

TYLin developed a Complete Streets Plan for multimodal transportation opportunities along the Route 1 corridor in the City of Saco and Town of Scarborough, Maine.

Working for the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS), the City of Saco, and the Town of Scarborough, TYLin identified enhancements and provided concept designs to improve access and safety along a 10.5-mile segment of this corridor. The plan focused on the needs of all users, from bus transit riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists to motor vehicle operators.   

This portion of Route 1 is characterized by a four-lane highway with signalized intersections and inadequate bicycling and pedestrian facilities. It connects the Saco and Biddeford municipalities with the communities of Scarborough, South Portland, and Portland.  

A fixed-route bus service operates throughout much of the corridor. Utilizing best practices in adapting automobile-oriented suburban corridors into vibrant Complete Streets, TYLin studied and evaluated the multimodal deficiencies and future needs of the corridor. The study area stretched from Beach Street in Saco to the Pleasant Hill area of Scarborough.  

To develop this comprehensive plan, our transportation planners applied their expertise in access management, intersection improvement analysis, traffic signal optimization and coordination, multimodal design, Complete Streets planning and design, and public process facilitation.  

This planning effort built on and updated previous local and regional planning efforts for the next decade. Recommendations focused on future infrastructure investments, design improvements, signage, and right-of-way acquisition to achieve a context-sensitive Complete Streets Plan. TYLin’s Complete Streets experts focused on developing unifying features throughout the corridor while promoting healthy living through active transportation. 

The Towns of Saco and Scarborough experience similar issues with safety and congestion. Implementation of the plan will restore the corridor as an efficient and safe route between the two communities while stimulating economic development. 

Project Highlights:

  • TYLin detailed improvements to signal design, crosswalk locations, crossing distances, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessibility, and pedestrian refuges. 
  • The priority bicycle accommodations included consistent signage, lane markings, and bike racks. 
  • TYLin examined transit service amenity enhancements and coordinated the proposed improvements with PACTS. 
  • Recommended specific signalization and timing improvements will reduce energy consumption for motorists and encourage more walking, bicycling, and transit use. 

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