March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Panel eyes ways to ease turnpike> Residents group has tentative plan to proceed on widening and alternatives

BIDDEFORD — A residents group examining options for the Maine Turnpike has roughed out a tentative plan to combine preliminary steps toward widening a 30-mile stretch south of Portland with continued efforts to pursue alternatives to construction.

The 25-member Public Advisory Committee, established after voters in 1991 rejected a widening of the turnpike and adopted the Sensible Transportation Policy Act, is scheduled to present a recommendation to the Maine Turnpike Authority by the middle of the month.

According to authority Executive Director Paul Violette, the earliest the turnpike could be widened would be 2003, given a timetable for permit filing and construction.

Some alternatives could include bus service from Biddeford to Portland, stepped-up traffic law enforcement and more ride-sharing and car-pooling.

More controversial would be surcharges on tolls at busiest traffic times.

Beth Nagusky of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, which backed the referendum drive that killed widening in 1991, said pre-construction steps could be acceptable as long as they were conditional.

“I’m willing … but I’m very nervous. It’s a big hurdle for me. I need a lot of assurances,” she said at a committee meeting Wednesday. “Are you keeping an open mind that we could put off widening for five more years?”

Other panelists urged that the permit process be initiated.

“I can’t compromise on starting the permitting,” said Kathryn Weare, a hotel owner from York. “The process takes so long, to not move forward now does not make sense.”

Dana Connors of the Maine Chamber and Business Alliance said a committee recommendation should be capable of holding broad support.


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