Sanford Downtown Traffic Project Moves Forward

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Residents listen to information about upcoming traffic changes to central Sanford.

Photo: Courtesy

By Connie Garber

Project managers are delaying by a year the start of construction of much-awaited downtown roadway and pedestrian improvements, which were subject of a public meeting on Nov. 20.

A spring 2027 start ensures the project attracts the most qualified construction companies, Sanford Public Works Director Matt Hill explained in a telephone interview.

“We want the contractors’ A Team, not as an afterthought,” Hill said.

Original plans had called for competitive bidding and selection this winter with a spring 2026 start. “We felt that turnaround was not a lot of time to get a crew and mobilize. It’s a recipe for not a great project,” he said.

The delay is the mutual decision of Maine Department of Transportation and the Sanford Department of Public Works, he said.

The recent public meeting was an opportunity for local folks to comment on plans to phase construction over four years, while maintaining limited traffic flow. As construction proceeds, on-street parking will be restricted to one side of the street at a time. One-way traffic is also planned.

Several local businesspeople asked clarifying questions about landscape maintenance, detouring traffic, and elimination of parking. They included Richard Cote, owner of Shaw’s Hardware; Steve Cabana, co-owner of Townsquare Realty; John Roux, co-owner of Garnsey Insurance: and Maura Herlihy, owner of Townhouse Apartments. Vicki Pariyar, owner of Knots & Bolts Creating Co., wondered how her customers, many of whom are seniors, will find their way through the construction zone.

“I’m terrified I won’t be able to continue my business while it’s going on,” she said.

The $25 million federal grant, along with matching funds from the state and city, will be for the following Improvements:

Replacing and/or constructing streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, underground utility ducts, streetlights, parking spaces, drainage areas, a multi-use pathway, and a Park & Ride facility primarily serving Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Improving safety aspects of downtown streets and sidewalks for motorists and various active transportation users
Modernizing downtown infrastructure to attract potential employers, commercial and residential development, and prepare for a green future
Providing safe and efficient access to the region’s commercial center and current downtown employers, critical to Sanford’s economy
Meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and MaineDOT standards.

There are four components to the project scope

Cottage Street- Route 202 (0.73 miles): scheduled to begin spring of 2027

Full-depth reconstruction of roadway- including roadway base and surface and curbs – through a narrow corridor, creating a ‘gateway to downtown’.
Reconfigure the Cottage Street/Winter Street/River Street intersection to improve Mill District access and the Mousam Promenade connection.

Main Street- Route 109, Washington Street, and School Street (0.9 Miles): scheduled to begin spring of 2028

Full-depth reconstruction of roadway
Reconstruction of sidewalks
Utility improvements, including utility duct bank for SanfordNet
Modernized parking
ADA-compliant sidewalks, crosswalks, and pathways
Improved drainage solutions

The Mousam Promenade Multi-modal Path (0.9 Miles): scheduled to begin summer of 2029

Full-depth reconstruction of narrow sidewalks to create a 10-foot-wide multi-modal pathway along Number One Pond’s western shore.
Partial-depth reconstruction of the roadway including road base and surface and curbs.
Traffic calming features emphasizing pedestrian and bicycle travel.
Installation of traffic safety devices.
Addition of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at Sanford Trails crossing (Winter Street/Route 202 and Riverside Avenue).
Upgraded drainage via shallow culverts

Construct a Park & Ride facility, 10 Emerson St.: scheduled to be done while other phases of work are happening.

Build a bus stop & 80-spot parking lot, addressing Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workforce needs.
Create EV charging-ready parking spaces.
Collaborate with York County Community Action Corp. for transit support, including a bus shelter.

In a letter sent in early November to affected homes and businesses, the MaineDOT provided details on locations and impacts of the construction. It said that during construction, the public can expect the following: temporary detours and road closures, one-way traffic patterns in some work zones to maintain partial access, night-time and off-peak work in select areas to minimize daytime disruptions, typical construction impacts such as noise, vibration, and dust, and periodic restrictions on sidewalks, crosswalks, parking, and access along project corridors.

The letter promised that the state and city are committed to maintaining open communication with everyone affected throughout the project. Advance notice will be given for detours and access limitations.

The project schedule after the meeting was laid out:

Right of way process including final mapping, appraisals and negotiations, underway
Project Plans, Specs & Estimate – July 2026
Project advertise – August 2026
Bid Openings – October 2026
Project award – December 2026
Construction Begins – March/April 2027
Construction Complete – Winter 2030

Following the presentations, individuals with questions were able to ask about a variety of concerns including proposed one-way streets, impacts on St. Thomas School, landscaping plans and impacts on snow plowing. Matt Hill, director of Sanford Public Works, said they are “not thrilled with the bump-outs” when the plows are clearing the main streets, but crews have been trained and will work out more detailed plans going forward. City Manager Steve Buck requested that weekly schedules for construction be sent to the Dispatch Center so emergency vehicles are kept up to date.

A full report is available under “ongoing projects” on the city’s website, sanfordmaine.org.