There have been several recent news articles and opinion pieces in local media outlets regarding the proposed Gorham Connector highway.
These include the Press Herald, American Journal and Maine Public radio. Some articles have referred to the position taken by the Portland City Council, which is opposing the project. The articles quote those who oppose the connector project as citing various concerns, such as a Press Herald opinion column by Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak.
Some articles have also referred to positions taken by members of the Portland City Council. Some articles quote those who oppose the project using various arguments, such as concerns that it will encourage suburban sprawl, which will lead to removing tree cover, and cause an increase in the total highway miles driven by Portland area commuters, causing more particulate air pollution and carbon discharge, while negatively affecting global climate change.
Photo credit: Google EarthMap provided by Maine Turnpike Authority, showing current planned route of Gorham Connector. Town lines are red, Connector is neon green, Maine Turnpike is yellow.
In a recent interview, Maine Turnpike Authority Executive Director Peter Mills attempted to refute some of the criticism. Mills emphasized that the project is still moving forward, as it was previously recommended through the regional PACTS process, and is being undertaken at the request of the host towns and cities (Gorham, Scarborough, Westbrook, and South Portland) and coordinated with a number of towns further west. He cited a number of studies to support his position that the four-lane limited access highway will eliminate a good deal of traffic congestion, and will save individuals and businesses money on vehicular expenses while cutting air pollution, by enabling a quicker travel option to the Maine Mall area and downtown Portland for commuters from Gorham, Buxton, Standish, and other communities. He anticipates that a significant number of Portland-bound drivers who travel from Gorham along Route 25 through Westbrook may choose to use the new Gorham Connector and I-295 or the turnpike.
Mills believes that the project will help to make rapid transit buses between Gorham, Standish, and parts of Portland and South Portland a better option, as they could bypass the traffic backups that occur every weekday along Route 114. He pointed out that the nearly five-mile-long road will not use any state or federal highway dollars, as it will be built completely with funds raised through Maine Turnpike bonds, which will be repaid using the money collected from tolls.
Mills emphasized that none of the road crossings will be at grade level, as the MTA will either utilize bridges, or a possible tunnel at Running Hill Road. Mills acknowledged that this four-lane highway project, with a cleared right of way averaging 300 feet of width, will have a major effect on some areas in the southern part of Gorham. However, he maintained that the overall effect on Gorham will be positive, as it will allow many drivers to switch from Route 114 to the parallel connector road and bypass backed-up sections.
Regarding the current status of the project, Mills stated that the Turnpike Authority has basically completed its process of identifying the most feasible route. The MTA is in the process of identifying significant environmental impacts, especially to wetlands. They are involved in discussions with state and federal agencies regarding wetlands mitigation plans, which will likely include creating new freshwater wetlands somewhere in the area. Meanwhile, MTA has been actively purchasing land which will be included in the right of way. Mills expressed feeling positive that only five homes will need to be demolished and mentioned that three of those houses have already been purchased.
Mills described how the new road will connect with the Gorham Bypass at the current South Gorham rotary on Route 114, then proceed southeast and eventually cross Brackett Road at the northeast corner of the former golf course property. It will continue curving to the southeast, crossing the Stroudwater River and a small corner of Westbrook which includes crossing outer Saco Street. About a half mile south of the Scarborough line, there will be a midpoint interchange at County Road (Route 22).
Proceeding south through a mostly undeveloped area of north Scarborough, the road will then cross Running Hill Road just up the hill from the Anthem headquarters. Curving to the east to cross Spring Street just south of the Target shopping plaza, the road will cross the Maine Turnpike and connect with Maine Mall Road and the Turnpike at the reconstructed Exit 45 interchange.
Mills emphasized again that none of the road crossings will be at grade level, as these will either utilize bridges, or a possible tunnel (at Running Hill Road).