Route 1, Main Street, Downtown Transportation Improvements

Our work included the Route 1, Main Street, Downtown Transportation Improvements Feasibility Study, which was performed for the City in cooperation with the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and its Village Partnership Initiative (VPI). The VPI aims to revitalize historic village centers within Maine with walkable, bikeable, and customer- and business-friendly environments that foster community spirit and economic opportunity.

Presque Isle’s Main Street was last reconstructed close to 40 years ago. The feasibility study identified ways to improve safety and accessibility for all transportation modes while enhancing the village’s look, feel, and character. Our recommendations are designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve pedestrian and traffic safety, complement long-range land-use planning goals, and align with the economic goals of Presque Isle City leaders. 

The City believes that a construction project based on the study results will lead to investment opportunity and sustainable growth throughout the downtown area. The City Council voted unanimously to approve its portion of the construction funding to support a RAISE Grant being pursued by MaineDOT. TYLin expects to assist MaineDOT in the vital next step, performing the preliminary engineering.

Project Highlights:

• An extensive public outreach program was part of the study and included public meetings, city council workshops, business and property owner meetings, and significant coordination with city departments (public works, police, fire, engineering.)

• Concept plans were provided for enhanced and expanded Active Transportation Facilities.

• Traffic modeling was performed in support of a “road diet,” reducing the number of vehicle lanes through downtown and reconfiguring a complex five-way intersection.

• The redesign reduces impervious surface, introduces an extensive urban tree canopy, creates decentralized green infrastructure and stormwater treatment areas, promotes walkability, creates inviting and comfortable streetscapes, reduces car dependency, and encourages life-work environments.

• TYLin’s concepts enhance an existing multiuse path system and connect it to underserved neighborhoods.

• We provided detailed cost estimates in support of a federal Raised Grant application.