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February 10

Another View: Maine Turnpike does contribute to alternative transportation

A writer's recent critique of the turnpike authority does not reflect current facts.

By PETER MILLS

On behalf of the Maine Turnpike Authority, let me respond to some points made by Markos Miller in his Feb. 7 Another View editorial. Maine Turnpike's one-to-one relationship with the engineering firm HNTB was phased out last year. Most of the turnpike's consulting work is now being procured on a competitive basis. Because of its engineering expertise, HNTB continues to be one of those competitors.

HNTB is a national engineering firm with high standards for integrity. They do quality work at competitive rates.

During the many years in which HNTB served as the sole engineering consultant for the turnpike, we found no evidence that HNTB took unfair advantage of its exclusive relationship. However, everyone agrees that services for public agencies should be procured on an open and competitive basis -- and that's how it's now done. No one can seriously question the decision to widen the turnpike a decade ago. The stretch of road from Saco to Portland is Maine's busiest highway. Motorists who travel that road every day know that three lanes in each direction are barely sufficient. In planning for and completing the widening, the turnpike complied fully with the 1991 Sensible Transportation Policy Act.

Although the turnpike has considered widening the highway north through Portland, there is presently no need for it. Because traffic growth leveled off during the recession, it may be another decade before such a plan is revived.

Contrary to the implications of Mr. Miller's article, the turnpike does support many alternative transportation initiatives to supplement its mainline operations, including 15 park-and-ride lots, the "Go Maine," commuter van program and the daily Zoom Bus between Saco and Portland. The turnpike is an important public agency that uses its toll revenues to achieve a varied array of transportation goals.

Peter Mills is the executive director of the Maine Turnpike Authority.

 

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