2 Maine cities awarded a total of $50M in federal funds to revamp roads
The cities of Bangor and Sanford will each receive a $25 million federal grant to upgrade their streets and roads while improving infrastructure for pedestrians.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the ranking member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced the grants in a news release Monday.
In Bangor, a grant of $24.6 million will help fund the replacement of a 50-year-old portion of the Hogan Road overpass of Interstate 95, near Exit 187 and the Bangor Mall. The newest portion of the overpass, built in 1983, will also be raised to allow for freight to safely pass underneath.
The release said the goal of the project is to improve safety and traffic flow on the overpass by constructing a new type of junction there — a diverging diamond, or double crossover diamond, interchange. In addition, the Maine Department of Transportation plans to build cycling and pedestrian-friendly walkways that include access for individuals with disabilities.
In downtown Sanford, a $25 million grant will support a “complete streets” overhaul of about 1.6 miles of streetscape. The project includes modernizing roadways, sidewalks, crosswalks, streetlights, parking spaces, underground utility ducts, a multi-use pathway and a park-and-ride facility that serves Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery.
The project’s aim is to improve safety for various users of the downtown streets, meet accessibility standards and attract development and potential employers to Sanford, according to the release.
Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity discretionary grant program. RAISE is competitively awarding $1.5 billion this year to support local and regional transportation projects throughout the country.
Collins said, “The investment in Sanford is exciting and will be transformative. It will help revitalize the downtown and improve the quality of life for the city’s residents, attract more visitors, and support small businesses.
“The Hogan Road overpass and interchange project in Bangor will significantly enhance safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians as well as help to alleviate traffic congestion at the intersection.
“I strongly advocated for these projects that will make it easier for Mainers to reach their homes and jobs and strengthen communities.”
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