A wide-ranging transportation plan that includes slowing traffic, adding bike lanes, and keeping pedestrians and motorists safer throughout town received unanimous support from the Town Council last week.
The vote Aug. 11 to accept a final Active Transportation Plan followed a presentation by the civil engineering and design consultant, Vanasse Hangen Brustilin Inc., of South Portland.
The 64 recommendations approved by the council grew out of three meetings between Town Hall staff and volunteers in 2025 and 2026, according to Phil Goff of VHB.
Chief among these recommendations were specific initiatives for traffic calming, bike lanes and enhanced pedestrian safety.
To increase pedestrian safety, consultants advocated raised crosswalks and flashing beacons at crosswalks on Academy and Norton streets.
VHB also recommended bolstering traffic safety in the Portland Street area, which could include installing speed bumps and establishing alternate parking on adjacent side streets.
For bike lanes, the council agreed to consider suggested off-road sections of the Eastern Trail and more bike lanes throughout the town.
In rural parts of town, improvements could include painting shoulder and center lines on roads, widening shoulders, adding bike friendly rumble strips, and putting median islands on various roads.
Goff also suggested a one-way northbound section of Norton Street to curb motor vehicles seeking an alternate route to avoid the intersection of Portland and Main streets.
The council expressed interest in the consultant’s recommendation for demonstration projects that could give the public an idea of the benefits of the overall plan.
These could include putting a bike lane on Portland Street, adding a crosswalk at Route 236 at Vine Street across from the Great Works School, and creating a small park, or parklet, on Lower Main Street. Goff described a parklet as a pedestrian friendly section that could feature seating, entertainment and refreshments for the public.
“I think the parklet idea is a great way to engage the public,” Councilor Sam Flinkstrom said.
No specific costs for putting in place the approved transportation plan were discussed at the meeting.
Tax Increment Financing revenue could be applied to projects on streets within the Route 236/Downtown TIF district, according to Jennifer Janelle, interim town manager. In addition, grants are available that could pay for up to 80% of project costs, according to Jeff Brubaker, town planning and economic development director.
Before the Town can put the 64-point plan in place, the South Berwick Department of Public Works and the Maine Department of Transportation must each review and comment on the plan, Goff said. If it were approved by those departments, town staff and Public Works crews will implement the plan.
Councilor Paul Schumacher urged the town to move quickly on the demonstration projects.
“I don’t want to see this plan sitting on a shelf,” Schumacher said.
