Brewer street study released
Friday, July 28, 2006

The Bangor Area Comprehensive Transportation System advisory committee has released its final study and applied for state funding for a project to help curb traffic congestion on North Main Street.

The study calls for the relocation of traffic lights, realignment of streets and elimination of on-street parking for a large portion of the roadway.

Although the city has requested money for the project, its completion depends on how quickly the $500,000 necessary for the project is allocated.

"If all the stars lined up perfectly we could begin construction in 2009," Frank Higgins, Brewer's city engineer, said Thursday, noting he's an optimist.

The advisory committee began work in September 2005 to address the congested traffic and the increased use of the roadway between the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge and the Penobscot Bridge on North Main Street. The committee is made up of a city councilor, residents, local business owners, BACTS officials and Higgins.

The city submitted the project as part of the state's process for BTIP, the biennial transportation improvement program, for 2008-2010. BACTS compiles a list of projects every two years and when state funding is granted, the organization must prioritize the projects.

"We just have to sit for now, until the funding comes through," Higgins said, adding BACTS never receives enough funding to complete every request.

While the city must wait for funding, officials already have taken steps to simplify the construction process.

The city has acquired the properties at 172 and 176 N. Main St., and the council has approved this week the demolition of buildings on both lots, Higgins said. Moving the roadway so it crosses through those two properties will straighten the intersection at Parker and Betton streets and a street light will be added.

During a public comment session in May, most residents and business owners were concerned about the elimination of on-street parking, Higgins said.

When the city receives funding for the project, an official design will be created and then treated like any ordinary city construction project, Higgins said, complete with public hearings and comment.

"At that point we will make more of an effort to get the public and businesses involved because it's right in the middle of the business district," Higgins said.

The final plan includes:
. Realignment of Betton Street and Parker Street to create a four-way intersection.
. Relocation of the traffic signal from Center Street to the newly aligned Betton and Parker streets' intersection.
. Turning Center Street into a one-way road.
. Coordination of traffic signals in favor of northbound traffic.
. Elimination of on-street parking between Betton and Wilson streets to provide additional travel and turn lanes.
. Designating Union Street and Center Street, at their junctions with North Main Street, right-in, right-out only.

A copyright story from the Bangor Daily News, Friday, July 28, 2006.