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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 05, 2024
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Proposed Regional Connector Road Between Gorham and Maine Turnpike Announced
(PORTLAND, Maine) - A specific location for a regional connector road between Exit 45 on the Maine Turnpike and the Gorham Bypass of Route 114, south of Gorham Village, was announced today by area municipalities in partnership with Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) and Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT).
Fueled by direction from the Maine Legislature and joint municipal/agency agreements with Gorham, Scarborough, Westbrook, South Portland, and MaineDOT, MTA has been working on plans for this connector for multiple years. The need for such a connection has been part of regional transportation conversations for over two decades. MTA has been meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection since 2014, with increased engagement since 2019 in preparation for the required environmental review.
Because toll revenue will fully fund the connector's construction and ongoing maintenance, no taxpayer dollars will be required to make the road a reality.
In terms of mapping the specific alignment the road will take, MTA started with determining the two endpoints of the connector: Turnpike Exit 45 in South Portland at one end, and the junction of the Gorham Bypass with Route 114, south of Gorham Village, on the other end. The criteria used to determine the route in between heavily depended on skirting as many environmentally sensitive areas as possible and avoiding negative effects on homes and businesses.
Area municipalities have long awaited this connector road and are helping to host and facilitate the public outreach program. Tom Hall, Scarborough Town Manager, indicated they will shortly be at the point where direct public feedback is desirable. A
project website is immediately available for public access, showcasing a background video, FAQs, project updates, and, most importantly, an easy-to-access format for the public to
comment and ask questions 24/7.
The first public meeting for this project will take place in March in Gorham. The meeting will provide multiple opportunities to learn about the project, ask questions, and make comments. The meeting will be available virtually for those who cannot or do not choose to travel. More details on the public meeting will be available several weeks prior to the meeting date.
Hall noted that over the past 18 months, meetings and conversations have taken place with landowners and with the municipalities and agencies that have signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding regarding the connector and other key transportation and environmental stakeholders. Hall added, “Many good early conversations have taken place, and we now look forward to broadening the dialogue.”
Proposed roadway alignment for potential Gorham Connector shown in yellow
B-Roll videos and still photos of traffic available upon request.
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