Back Cove trail link on state's back burner
Officials say they need to monitor vehicle and foot traffic at Franklin and Marginal Way first.
By Dennis Hoey dhoey@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
PORTLAND - It most likely will be 2012 before a pathway can be built allowing pedestrians to reach the Back Cove trail from the intersection of Franklin Street and Marginal Way.
Interstate 295 Exit 7 at Franklin Arterial in Portland is under construction Wednesday.
John Ewing/Staff Photographer
Widening the northbound and southbound off-ramps of I-295 Exit 7 at Franklin Arterial is under way Wednesday.
John Ewing/Staff Photographer
But the trail link that Bayside residents have been clamoring for may not happen.
State officials say they need to monitor pedestrian and automobile traffic at the busy intersection, which connects the city to Interstate 295, before installing a way for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross it.
If state and city engineers agree that the pedestrian connection is feasible, and if funding is available, the connection -- which would be near the new Bayside Trail -- could be ready in the spring of 2012.
"I know it sounds frustrating and that it seems like a very long time, but we need to make sure everyone is safe. That is our job," said Kat Beaudoin, the Maine Department of Transportation's chief of planning.
The news about the Back Cove trail connection came Wednesday night during a presentation by the state, the city and Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System on their plans to revitalize the Franklin Street corridor.
Transportation officials used the meeting at the East End Community School to cover all components of the project, which includes widening the northbound and southbound off-ramps of Exit 7 -- a phase that is under way -- redesigning Franklin Street, and connecting the Back Cove trail to Marginal Way.
"This is a landmark moment," said Carol Morris, who moderated the meeting for the MDOT. Morris said that after two years of evaluation, the state, city and PACTS are ready to seek bids for a Franklin Street feasibility study.
The study, which will take 18 months and could start as soon as September, will identify the best option for improving the Franklin Street corridor.
There are three options under consideration: a multi-way boulevard, an urban street and an urban parkway. Each plan contains different design elements.
The urban parkway, for instance, calls for a sidewalk running the length of the corridor, increasing the size of Lincoln Park, and provisions for a street car or light rail system.
"This is the heart of the economy for the region," said Carl Eppich, a transportation planner with PACTS. "This study will have a lot of implications for the region."
About 50 people attended the meeting, including Karen Elliot of Smith Street, who voiced disappointment after looking at the preliminary design proposals.
"I didn't see anything on those maps that looks good to me," said Elliot, who is concerned that the landscape will be overwhelmed by large buildings.
Christian MilNeil said the project is a way to reconnect the Bayside neighborhood.
"We have a lot of high hopes," said MilNeil, who added that economic development will drive the improvements to Franklin Street.
MilNeil and others questioned why the Back Cove trail connection could not be constructed while the state is widening the Exit 7 ramps, but state officials say they need to see how a new traffic light -- which will be installed at the end of the Exit 7 northbound ramp -- impacts traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at:
dhoey@pressherald.com
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10 COMMENTS
boudy said...
"provisions for a street car or light rail system." - Another costly solution to another non-problem. Franklin Arterial is not broken. I used to walk downtown from the "severed" community in question almost daily. PLENTY of things out there that really need fixing. When was the last time that someone with a shred of business acumen(or an MBA) was on the city council? Less "progressive urban vision", more financially prudent governing. Highly unlikely, but a boy can dream...
July 29, 2010 at 5:19 AM Report abuse
Felix said...
Thank God we didn't let the pretentious bullies of the Peoples' Republic of Portland railroad us into spending millions we don't have for just a few runners and bikers who don't pay a dime in use fees for all the stuff they demand! Pretty simple solution, the existing stuff works, all people have to do is wait for the light!!!!!!!!!
July 29, 2010 at 7:08 AM Report abuse
EdwardTMoore said...
The state needs to be pressured to complete this project. There is a disincentive on their part because their salaries are paid by the tax on gasoline. The more gasoline bought, the more money for the state. Portland must become more bike and pedestrian friendly. Unlike Boston, it doesn't take a day to walk clear across our city. There needs to be a connection to the Back Cove Trail. The folks posting from outside the city are speaking from ignorance. I want these trails finished and finished sooner rather than later. We must be weaned from gasoline and city dividing throughways. I don't care if it takes longer for commuters to pass through our city.
July 29, 2010 at 7:49 AM Report abuse
middleone said...
Walkers, runners, dog walkers, and cyclists, do pay a dime for the services in Portland. It is called property taxes. As a Back Cove trail walker, believe me, I am not asking for anything that I am not paying for. The walking trails in Portland make this a very nice city to live in, and I extend my appreciation to the Portland Trails group for advocating for this.
July 29, 2010 at 7:50 AM Report abuse
tls77 said...
@Felix, I pay plenty in property taxes and am proud that my city uses my money so that biking and running is an option in this city. I pay plenty in use fees. Without a way to cross Franklin Arterial this makes the Back Bay trail that they just completed totally useless. Obviously it's going to take someone getting hit by a car trying to cross that eyesore before the state or city will actually do anything...
July 29, 2010 at 8:53 AM Report abuse
DavyJones said...
A pedestrian friendly city would promote better personal health, less stress on the infrasture, cleaner air, better neighbor relations, safer commutes to work and play, etc... We're not trying fix a broken system - we're trying to progress into a better system - healthier people and healthier infrasture would improve the city's long-term ROI.
July 29, 2010 at 9:07 AM Report abuse
ScottTopsum said...
It is no coincidence that Portland has the most extensive network of trails in the state AND the lowest rate of obesity.
July 29, 2010 at 9:14 AM Report abuse
Dhiff said...
Waaahh I can't walk to Whole Foods I have to drive there and then walk around with the other shiny-happy people. Property taxes? Doubt you pay enough for this extravagance. Take care of schools and crime first Portland; two areas you currently fail the taxpayers in
July 29, 2010 at 11:41 AM Report abuse
jake007 said...
"Bayside residents have been clamoring for"....huh,
July 29, 2010 at 12:03 PM Report abuse
DavyJones said...
I use the trails all the time. They've been a huge benefit to myself and everyone I know who walks or rides them. Thank you Portland Trails for the great work you've done. Also, I reside in this city and do pay property taxes. However, I welcome improvements and encourage anyone who lives here to find out more about them
July 29, 2010 at 2:03 PM Report abuse