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Complete Streets

"Complete Streets” is a phrase that describes streets, roads and other transportation facilities designed for use and mobility by not only cars and trucks, but also walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and transit riders. Complete streets are important for a lot of different reasons:

  • Providing transportation choices

  • Provide mobility and independence for age groups or individuals who can’t or don’t want to use a car for every trip
  • Reduce automobile congestion
  • Enable more active and healthy lifestyles
  • Provide recreation opportunities

The Town envisions a well-connected multimodal network of transportation facilities that appropriately relates to
the existing built environment in capacity and scale, recognizing that all streets are different and the needs of various users will need to be balanced. Complete streets are a key element in ensuring a more livable, enjoyable community.

Background

The Town has been working to “complete” our streets on an ongoing basis as street, road, intersection and pedestrian improvements are designed and constructed. A specific policy was developed in 2015, recommended by the Transportation Committee.

There have also been regional efforts through local partners to address traffic safety and traffic calming. One example is Vision Zero, a holistic strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries suffered by all road users while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. Strategies have been implemented through various studies, policies, and resolutions over the past several years through state organizations and the Town of Scarborough, showing the prioritization of these safety measures in our community. 

street with bus driving by

Timeline

2015: The Town developed a Scarborough Complete Streets Policy to support goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, the Townwide Transportation Study, and various neighborhood plans. It establishes principles for designing and operating streets to ensure safety and accessibility for all users.

2021: The Town completed its Comprehensive Plan, which includes a complete streets community vision.

2023: The Greater Portland Council of Government (GPCOG) developed a Greater Portland Vision Zero Action Plan, intended to be a blueprint for how to get to zero deaths and serious injuries by 2045. 

2024: The Town implemented a Traffic Calming Request Policy to promote safe and efficient movement of all modes of transportation throughout our community. The goal of this policy is to provide a path for residents or businesses to request further analysis by Town staff and/or Traffic Engineering Consultants to better understand the issues and provide an appropriate solution.

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) updated its Complete Streets Policy, first adopted in 2014. The updated policy utilizes the MaineDOT Roadway Context Classifications in providing contextually appropriate guidance for incorporating Complete Streets elements into transportation projects. 

2025: The Greater Portland Council of Government (GPCOG) and the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) completed a Regional Complete Streets Design Guide Book. It is based on the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) Regional Complete Streets Policy, which requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, funded, and maintained to enable safe, convenient, and comfortable travel and access for all users and modes of transportation. As Scarborough seeks to update its Complete Streets Manual, it will largely seek to parallel the methods outlined in the GPCOG regional guide book.

The Town of Scarborough adopted a Vision Zero Council Resolution, supporting the regional Vision Zero efforts.

The Town of Scarborough begins working with consultants on a Complete Streets & Traffic Calming Guidance Manual and holding community meetings for engagement to guide the process.

Projects

Planning

Scarborough Complete Streets & Traffic Calming Guidance Manual: The Town of Scarborough is currently developing a  guidance manual to help the Town make streets safer and more accommodating to all modes of transportation. The goals are for it to promote safer, more complete streets and outline the benefits and tradeoffs of traffic calming. It will also create a framework for developers to support consistent complete streets implementation, balance priorities for right-of-way allocation, and ensure safety remains the top priority for all modes of transportation.

Design & Construction

East Grand Avenue Complete Streets Project: In 2018, the Town completed the East Grand Avenue Corridor Preliminary Plan, which included public input focused on safety for all users—motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit. The project will include a Complete Streets design and upgrades to the drainage infrastructure.

Spurwink Road Improvement Project: The Town of Scarborough is underway on a Spurwink Road Traffic & Pedestrian Improvement project. The scope of this project includes a road realignment, and the addition and improvement of pedestrian and bicycle amenities. It will also address the dangerous curves and intersections to the greatest extent possible, as well as improve road surface and drainage issues.

Resources

Select the Resources dropdown below to choose from a full list of documents and related resources.

Staff Contact

Autumn Speer, Director of Planning & Codes
(207) 730-4042
Email