Eastern Trail "Close the Gap" Project
About
The Eastern Trail is a vital multi-use trail of state-wide significance in Maine. The trail extends 65 miles from South Portland to Kittery, and travels by scenic woods, tidal marshes, and classic Maine villages. Since its Scarborough developments from 2004-2006, the trail has provided millions of people with a recreational and transportation resource that connects them to the beautiful Maine landscape.
A key piece of trail is missing in Scarborough. A 1.6-mile “gap” interrupts off-road travel between South Portland and Saco. The construction of this critical trail segment will close this gap and provide 16 continuous off-road miles reaching from South Portland’s Bug Light to Downtown Saco. The cost to close this gap is $4.1 million dollars. Funding was sourced from the Town of Scarborough, City of South Portland, Maine Department of Transportation, Eastern Trail Alliance individual and corporate donors, and state and federal funds.
After several years of work to raise the necessary funds, complete the project design, align stakeholders, and acquire the necessary permits and land rights, the project went out to bid in Spring 2025 and construction began in June.
Project Overview
Shaw Brothers will be conducting trail construction work from June 2025 to an estimated completion date of October 2027. Work will be completed in two phases:
Phase I: Pleasant Hill Road to Wainwright Sports Complex (South Portland). Estimated completion by October 2026
Phase II: Nonesuch River crossing (off Eastern Road extension) to Pleasant Hill Road. Estimated completion by October 2027
Phase II requires the construction of two bridges, one over the Nonesuch River off Eastern Road in Scarborough and the other crossing the railroad track near Pleasant Hill Road. Additional conditions include working with the railroad company (CSX) and power line company (CMP), as the trail will go over the tracks and along the power lines.
Map of New Trail Route
Resources
Eastern Trail Alliance | "Close the Gap" Campaign
Eastern Trail Joint Permit Application Form Pages
Eastern Trail Joint Permit Application Compiled Report
Portland Press Herald - "Closing the Gap on Southern Maine's Eastern Trail Finally Moving Toward Completion"| July 12, 2025