Transportation Projects in Trenton

Transportation Projects in TrentonTransportation Projects in Trenton

UMASSB O S T O N

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Public Information MeetingPublic Information MeetingSeptember 25, 2007September 25, 2007

Welcome

Purpose of MeetingPurpose of Meeting

• To update the citizens on transportation projects that are To update the citizens on transportation projects that are planned or that have occurred in Trenton and the region.planned or that have occurred in Trenton and the region.– Two paving projects (Julia Spinney)Two paving projects (Julia Spinney)

– Intersection reconfiguration ( Julia Spinney)Intersection reconfiguration ( Julia Spinney)

– Directional Signs ( Bruce Mattson)Directional Signs ( Bruce Mattson)

– Acadia Gateway Center ( Peggy Duval)Acadia Gateway Center ( Peggy Duval)

– Other Regional projectsOther Regional projects Ellsworth STAR center (Tracy Perez)Ellsworth STAR center (Tracy Perez) Sunrise Trail (Jim Fisher)Sunrise Trail (Jim Fisher) Scenic Byway (Jim Fisher)Scenic Byway (Jim Fisher) Route 3/102 Intersection (Bruce Mattson)Route 3/102 Intersection (Bruce Mattson)

Route 3 Paving (overlay) Projects

• There are two paving projects:There are two paving projects:

• The first project is intended to The first project is intended to begin at Route 204 and will end begin at Route 204 and will end prior to the entrance to the prior to the entrance to the proposed Acadia Gateway proposed Acadia Gateway Center.Center.

• The second project is intended The second project is intended to complete the paving from to complete the paving from that point to the Trenton bridge.that point to the Trenton bridge.

Route 3 Paving (overlay) Projects

• The work to be completed will The work to be completed will be coordinated with other be coordinated with other transportation projects in the transportation projects in the corridor.corridor.– Include Route 230 intersectionInclude Route 230 intersection

– Realignment of airport access Realignment of airport access roadroad

– Construction of turning lanes Construction of turning lanes into the Acadia Gateway into the Acadia Gateway Center Center

• Will be built 2009.Will be built 2009.

Route 3 Paving (overlay) Projects

• At this time, we are not building a third lane but will be looking at adding wider shoulders.

• Utilities will be moved as part of this project.

• Utility and right of way issues will be considered during design.

Route 230 and Airport Road Realignment

• There have been growing concerns regarding congestion and safety at the intersection of Routes 3 and 230.

• The growth of local businesses and the increase in traffic on the airport access road have exacerbated the problem.

• It is expected that the new intersection will improve safety and reduce congestion.

• It is likely that this new intersection will require a traffic signal.

Route 230 and Airport Road Realignment

• The airport is currently in the process of reconfiguring their access road due to FAA requirements.

• MaineDOT has seen this as an opportunity to consolidate and eliminate existing entrances onto Route 3.

• The survey has just been completed and the design will be underway very soon.

• The schedule for this project will be driven by the airport’s need to meet FAA requirements.

Directional Signs

• Acadia National Park is a major tourist destination (2-3 Acadia National Park is a major tourist destination (2-3 million visitors per year).million visitors per year).

• Route 3 is the only road to Mount Desert IslandRoute 3 is the only road to Mount Desert Island– Upwards of 21,000 vehicles/day Upwards of 21,000 vehicles/day

• Residents frustrated with traffic volumes on Route 230.Residents frustrated with traffic volumes on Route 230.

• MaineDOT reviewed existing directional signs to MDI.MaineDOT reviewed existing directional signs to MDI.

Directional Signs• Found that directional Found that directional

signs need to be signs need to be improved in Ellsworth improved in Ellsworth area.area.

Additional New Major Signs

New Trailblazer SignsEllsworth Area

Trail Blazer Signs

Trail Blazer Signs

Trail Blazer Signs

Trail Blazer Signs

Trail Blazer Signs

Directional Signs Conclusions

• Improvements will help direct motorists to the best route to MDI via Route 3.

• In the future, signing can be changed to reflect the Acadia Gateway Center as a tourist destination.

• It is expected that the Acadia Gateway Center will draw additional visitor traffic off of Route 230 and on to Route 3.

Acadia Gateway Center

The Bangor to Acadia Corridor Study recommended The Bangor to Acadia Corridor Study recommended development of an intermodal facility to reduce traffic development of an intermodal facility to reduce traffic congestion on Route 3 and in Acadia National Park.congestion on Route 3 and in Acadia National Park.

Southern section of Route 3 corridor attracts highest volumes Southern section of Route 3 corridor attracts highest volumes of traffic.of traffic.

Identified high ridership levels between Trenton and MDI.Identified high ridership levels between Trenton and MDI.

A Trenton Intermodal Facility/Acadia Gateway Center presents A Trenton Intermodal Facility/Acadia Gateway Center presents an opportunity for a world class facility to serve both residents an opportunity for a world class facility to serve both residents and visitors.and visitors.

Acadia Gateway Center

Phasing of the Project:Phasing of the Project:

• Phase I - Bus Maintenance Facility.Phase I - Bus Maintenance Facility.

• Phase II – Intermodal Facility and NPS Welcome Center.Phase II – Intermodal Facility and NPS Welcome Center.

• Phase III – National Park Services Expanded Welcome Center, Phase III – National Park Services Expanded Welcome Center, Theater and ancillary facilities.Theater and ancillary facilities.

Acadia Gateway Center

How will the Acadia Gateway Center Serve the Residents of How will the Acadia Gateway Center Serve the Residents of Trenton?Trenton?

Provide enhanced commuter transit and carpooling Provide enhanced commuter transit and carpooling opportunities.opportunities.

Reduce congestion on Route 3. Reduce congestion on Route 3.

Improve safety on Route 3.Improve safety on Route 3.

Enhance the character of the Route 3 Corridor.Enhance the character of the Route 3 Corridor.

Acadia Gateway Center

Acadia Gateway Center is being designed to accommodate Acadia Gateway Center is being designed to accommodate requests from the community of Trenton:requests from the community of Trenton:

Pedestrian-Bicycle Trail systems that can be safely used for Pedestrian-Bicycle Trail systems that can be safely used for recreational and educational purposes.recreational and educational purposes.

Provide community meeting rooms.Provide community meeting rooms.

Provide NPS theater.Provide NPS theater.

Provide a National Park type atmosphere.Provide a National Park type atmosphere.

Compliments scenic byway application.Compliments scenic byway application.

Acadia Gateway Center

Where are we today in the development of Phase I of the Where are we today in the development of Phase I of the Acadia Gateway Center?Acadia Gateway Center? Environmental Assessment completed in September Environmental Assessment completed in September

2006 identifies the Crippens Brook site as best 2006 identifies the Crippens Brook site as best alternative.alternative.

– Offsite analysis looked at 15 potential sites. Offsite analysis looked at 15 potential sites.

– Trenton Site had the least environmental impacts.Trenton Site had the least environmental impacts.

– Cost to run busses greatly reduced in comparison to Cost to run busses greatly reduced in comparison to other sites.other sites.

– Availability of the property.Availability of the property.

– Captures visitors before they cross the bridge.Captures visitors before they cross the bridge.

Acadia Gateway Center (Phase 1)

Preliminary Design Contracted with Allied Engineering of Preliminary Design Contracted with Allied Engineering of Portland, Maine, Summer of 2007:Portland, Maine, Summer of 2007:

DMJM Harris of Boston, Mass. will continue to provide DMJM Harris of Boston, Mass. will continue to provide Architectural Design and Landscape Design services.Architectural Design and Landscape Design services.

National Park Service will review site design.National Park Service will review site design.

Department of Transportation Engineers will provide Site Department of Transportation Engineers will provide Site Design and environmental permitting.Design and environmental permitting.

Acadia Gateway Center (Phase 1)

Schedule for Phase ISchedule for Phase I

Spring 2008 – Develop & Submit Maine DEP Permits.Spring 2008 – Develop & Submit Maine DEP Permits.

Spring 2008 – Public Meeting for Preliminary Design.Spring 2008 – Public Meeting for Preliminary Design.

Late Fall 2008 – Final Design Complete.Late Fall 2008 – Final Design Complete.

Spring 2009 – Construction Begin.Spring 2009 – Construction Begin.

Spring 2010 – Construction Complete.Spring 2010 – Construction Complete.

Phasing Plan

Bus Maintenance Facility

Bus Maintenance Facility Plan

Other Projects of Regional Significance

– Sunrise Trail ( Jim Fisher)– Ellsworth STAR Facility (Tracy Perez)– Scenic Byway (Jim Fisher)– Route 3/102 Intersection Improvement (Bruce Mattson)

Benefits of Scenic Byway Designation

• Community Recognition.

• Economic Development.

• Community Vision.

• Partnering.

• Federal Highway Administration Scenic Byway Grants

– Increased Federal and State support for road improvements and safety.

– New projects such as bikeways, information kiosks and scenic turn-outs.

Scenic Resources

Viewsheds•From Airport

Source: James Rae

Trenton Character

Trenton Character

Trenton Character

Corridor Enhancement

Voluntary and Educational Programs.

• Partnerships with local organizations– Trenton and MDI Chambers

of Commerce.– Trenton Historic Society.

• Local Initiatives– April Roadside Cleanup.– Tree planting program –

Hancock Soil and Water Conservation.

Incentives and Disincentives

• Grants

– Local Programs Partnership for business

beautification. Soil Conservation Service

Assistance. National Park Service Assistance.

– Low interest loan program for preservation

Corridor Enhancement

Corridor Enhancement

National Scenic Byway Grants

• Raised almost $2,000,000 for Schoodic National Scenic Byway and Acadia All American Road.

• Annual Competitive Grant Opportunities.

• Preference for new byways.

Things you can do to support the Acadia All American Road

• Participate in Public Meetings.

• Help your local historical societies, garden clubs, and civic organizations to build partnerships.

• Show your support to your select board and state representatives.

• Join the Corridor Advocacy Group and bring new ideas.

Route 3 and Route 102/198

Bar Harbor - Trenton

Location Map

2005Study Area

2005 Alternatives Study Constraints

• Avoid National Park property

• Avoid Parkadia Store

• Minimize wetland impacts

• Limit residential & business displacements

• Improve traffic operations from those projected for existing intersection

• No roundabouts or “fly-overs”

2005 Alternatives Study

• Focused on congestion reduction

• Four “build” alternatives developed: One-way unsignalized (2 alternatives) Signalized with realignment Traffic island construction to separate or remove conflicting

movements

Study Findings

• Signalized alternative results in least delay

• In 2015, 60% less delay than with “do nothing” conditions

• In 2025, 75% less delay than with “do nothing” conditions

• Operations increasingly influenced by capacity constraints at Mount Desert Narrows

Scope of Signalized Alternative

• Remove existing traffic signal

• Construct “spur” between Route 102/198 and Route 3 about 500’ S/E of existing intersection

• Signalize new intersection

• Route 102/198 one-way southbound from Parkadia to new spur

• Route 3 northbound widened to 2 lanes to and through new traffic signal

Scope of Signalized Alternative (cont.)

• Route 102/198 northbound spur 2 lanes on intersection approach

• Old County Road at Route 3 restricted to right-turn-in only

• Old County Road at Route 102/198 realigned to reduce sharp skew, for safety and to facilitate turning movements

Proposed Improvements

Route 3 Signal and Route 102/198 Spur

Old County Road at Route 102/198

Cost

• Estimated construction cost if bid in 2008: $1,400,000

Proposed Schedule

• Summer 2008: Advertise for bids

• Fall 2008: Construct Route 102/198 spur, Route 3 widening, and Old County Road realignment while maintaining traffic on existing roadways

• Spring 2009: Pave new construction areas, overlay existing roads and shoulders, landscaping and clean-up

Questions and Comments

Route 3 Paving or

Route 3/230 Intersection

Janis Piper

MaineDOT Project Manager

207-941-4500

[email protected]

Acadia Gateway Center Phase I

Margaret Duval

MaineDOT Project Manager

207-624-3557

[email protected]

Directional Signing

Bruce Mattson

MaineDOT Civil Engineer

207-941-4500

[email protected]

Scenic Byway

Jim Fisher

HCPC Planner

207-667-7131

[email protected]