MaineDOT Traffic Pattern Pilot on Route 1 This Summer
MaineDOT Traffic Pattern Pilot
Anticipated Closure Dates: June 15-August 10, 2026
What is being studied: Feasibility of removing a Route 1 northbound lane so that the existing footprint may accommodate a future bike and pedestrian facility. The proposed temporary pilot project includes the section of Rt 1 that crosses over the Scarborough Marsh, approximately 1.2 mile in length.
How: Before committing to a permanent closure, the Town has requested that MaineDOT test the impacts of the new configuration to determine if it should be incorporated it into the Route 1 Resiliency Project plans. Based on traffic data evaluated by MaineDOT, they have shown that this section of Route 1 can function with one northbound travel lane without impacting capacity or traffic flow on Route 1; however, they have agreed to perform a temporary lane closure during Summer 2026, intentionally during the highest volume time to test under extreme conditions.
Before and during the closure, MaineDOT will monitor the flow of traffic, by collecting real-time data, which will include: speeds, volumes, delays, and diversion traffic counts to Payne Road or the Maine Turnpike. They will analyze the data and provide recommendations for the Town Council and the public to consider as part of the next steps in the Resiliency Project.
The road will return to four lanes at the end of the pilot study.
Why now: As MaineDOT develops plans to raise Route 1 over the marsh (Route 1 Resiliency Project), which includes a 100-year or more life span bridge segment, the Town of Scarborough has requested the MaineDOT consider future bike and pedestrian needs, as these will not be able to be added in the future if not considered now.
Why add a multi-use path?
Many local and regional transportation studies and Scarborough’s Comprehensive Plan point to the need to add active transportation options on Route 1. Recent Scarborough community surveys also indicate residents’ desire to add bike lanes and sidewalks along Route 1. With a project of this scale, which includes installing a bridge, this is the only opportunity to provide bike and pedestrian access in this location.
Why not widen the road instead?
Scarborough Marsh is a highly valued and sensitive area. MaineDOT is required to limit the impact on the Marsh, which means the road can’t be widened to add a multi-use path. Working within the road’s existing footprint, MaineDOT proposes converting one northbound lane to the multi-use path. Their data and modeling show that a lane reduction will not create delays on Route 1, but models and data don’t account for driver behavior. The Town requested MaineDOT test the design with a temporary lane closure to better understand how traffic may be impacted.
Route 1 Resiliency Project
A portion of Route 1 across the marsh is prone to flooding during storm surges, making the road impassable at times. This threatens our road infrastructure and community safety if left unaddressed. Since 2023, the Town of Scarborough and MaineDOT have been developing a resiliency project with a general concept of raising the road four feet above the highest astronomical tide and replacing existing culverts with a 75-foot bridge across the Dunstan River.
Resources
Transportation Committee Presentation 3/24/2026 (Begins at 1:30:00)
Scarborough's e-Newsletter is another great way to stay informed and up to date on what is happening in your local government and around town. For additional information on Scarborough news, events, and meetings, see how you can "Stay Connected", and subscribe to our newsletter.