BIDDEFORD –– A new state highway improvement project aims to address safety issues along one of Biddeford’s busiest roadways.

The Maine Department of Transportation is planning a project to redesign a 1,500-foot segment of Route 1, known locally as Elm Street, with work expected to begin in early 2027. The work will stretch from the southern end of the Saco River Bridge to the Main Street intersection.

“The proposed improvements are intended to reduce conflicts and improve overall safety for all users,” DOT Spokesperson Andrew Gobeil said in a statement.

Among other safety issues, the new project aims to address the intersection with Lincoln Street. According to a DOT report, the intersection has had nine reported crashes between 2021 and 2023 alone, making it a “high-crash location.”

Jason Beaulieu owns Jason’s Auto Service, which is right up the street from the Lincoln Street intersection. He said a rear-ender accident just recently happened right in front of his business, and welcomed safety-related improvements.

“Route 1’s a busy road, a lot of things going on,” he said. “You know, if we can make things better, I like seeing our money going into roads, into transportation and everything.”

Other DOT documents indicate that higher traffic volumes in recent years have contributed to “congestion, delay, and operational challenges.”

The project includes adding new signals at key intersections, including Lincoln Street. The project also calls for new curbs and sidewalks to accommodate pedestrians. The plan will convert Pearl Street into a one-way roadway, with traffic moving away from Elm Street.

Officials said they are still seeking public input to refine the project’s final design, but they expect to solicit bids this fall, with work to begin in early 2027.

Beaulieu said the work might be noisy when it happens, but he doesn’t think it will really disrupt his business, and he looks forward to the benefits when it’s done.

“Any kind of progress is good,” he said. “That’s what we’ve got to do.”

The weather in Vacationland has finally warmed up, and that urge to drop everything for a ride along Route 1 with the windows down is getting stronger.

The perfect addition to a summer road trip? A tasty drink from a locally owned cafe.

Whether you’re on your way to one of Maine’s famous lighthouses, you’re an avid coffee shop hopper or you just have a free day to explore our state, these five spots in southern York county are worth a detour.

Beach Pea Baking Co. 

53 State Road, Suite A, Kittery. beachpeabaking.com

Starting in Maine’s southernmost town, Beach Pea Baking Co. is just as quaint as the name suggests. Specializing in artisan breads and baked goods, the shop is a neighborhood favorite in Kittery.

The bakery’s interior includes a bustling front-of-house with an inviting nook, perfect for a break from the car. Beach Pea looks like it could be someone’s home, providing that “made-with-love” feeling complete with a sun-soaked porch seating overlooking lush foliage. 

The extensive lunch and coffee menu makes it an easy choice for an early-morning jump-start or a midday stop. The iced latte is mild with a nutty palate, offering a refreshing treat that pairs perfectly with any of the baked goods.

Pro tip: If there’s one thing you try, let it be the lemon poppyseed cookie.

Provisions at Pepperrell Cove

88 Pepperrell Road, Kittery. pepperrellcove.com

Perhaps the most scenic stop on this list is Provisions at Pepperrell Cove. Opened in 2018 as part of the Pepperell Cove site’s expansion, this small shop has become a central spot for visitors.

Stop in for some affordable self-serve brews from North Berwick roaster Carpe Diem Brews, look around the market and wander out to the marina to take it all in. Enjoying an iced coffee with panoramic views of the cove, Portsmouth Harbor and Gooseberry Island is sure to be a memorable piece of any Maine road trip.

Bonus: If coffee isn’t enough, the Pepperell Cove site also features two gourmet restaurants right on the water, making it a great place to commemorate a fun vacation.

Chickadee Tea, Coffee, Eats

43 State Route 236, Suite 1, Eliot. chickadeemaine.com

A few minutes off the coastal road trip path — but still worth a detour — is Chickadee Tea, Coffee, Eats. The shop specializes in sustainably sourced looseleaf teas inspired by owner Jonathan Blakeslee’s time spent in Hokkaido, Japan, as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard.

In addition to its teas, which are sold in bags alongside local goods, Chickadee offers an exciting array of house-baked pastries, seasonal matcha drinks and a solid iced latte. 

This shop pays homage to Maine classics with flavors like salted blueberry maple and provides enticing opportunities for new flavor combos like orange cardamom.

A stop into Chickadee will immerse you in the spirit of Vacationland and offer the perfect dose of small-town charm.

Nectar Cafe at Bell Farms

244 U.S. Route 1, York. nectarcafeatbellfarm.com

Another stop right on Route 1, Nectar Cafe is situated in a bright red, 20-foot trailer outside a barn-style shop called Bell Farms.

With specialty drinks like the blueberry pancake or Maine maple latte, this is an idyllic stop to stretch your legs and spend some time outside.

Nectar also features baked goods from other southern Maine favorites, like Pie Girl Baking Co.’s cinnamon rolls and tasty treats from Lovebirds Donuts.

Surrounded by lush forest and chirping birds, Nectar is well-suited for those that want a breath of fresh, coastal air.

Swell House

1300 U.S. Route 1, York. swellhousemaine.com

On your way to Nubble Light? Swell House is right around the corner, serving stellar food and drink.

Named after the state’s iconic tides, the shop is more than coffee. Inside, you’ll find racks of trendy beachwear, locally made goods and friendly staff. The entire shop is decked out with carefully curated vintage decor, all perfectly on theme for a surfer’s coastal Maine dreams.

Using beans from Portland roaster Coffee By Design, Swell’s drinks pair perfectly with unique and tasty bites like a breakfast empanada.

In addition to being a coffee and vintage shop, Swell is also a social house that hosts events throughout the year.

The shop’s outside seating boasts a fire pit and that backyard summer party feel that we all crave when the weather is right. It’s another fantastic stop for a road trip up the Maine coast.