Maine
Maine DOT announces new upgrades for Route 1 in Biddeford
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.
Jason Beaulieu stands in front of his business, Jason’s Auto Service, on Route 1 in Biddeford Wednesday. He said he looks forward to safety-related improvements scheduled for the busy roadway. (Spectrum News/Sean Murphy)
“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.”