Recognizing continued growth across the Portland West region, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is undertaking a comprehensive and collaborative planning effort to evaluate and improve the area’s transportation system. The Portland West Balanced Mobility Improvement Study will update and build upon previous analyses to develop a multimodal approach that enhances mobility and safety while supporting long-term local, regional, and statewide growth and land-use goals.
The study area primarily includes the communities of South Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, and Gorham, with additional analysis conducted as needed for adjacent communities, including Portland, Buxton, Hollis, and Standish. This multifaceted study will examine existing traffic congestion and travel patterns; review prior research related to future travel demand, land-use expectations, and population growth; and evaluate the benefits and limitations of changes to existing roadway capacity. The study will also explore transportation demand management strategies, such as improved signal timing, carpooling options, expanded transit service, and enhanced walking and bicycling connections.
Meaningful collaboration with municipalities, regional partners, stakeholders, and the public will be essential to developing a balanced set of mobility and safety solutions that reflect the needs and character of the Portland West communities.
Community members are encouraged to participate in one of two upcoming engagement opportunities to learn more about the study, meet the project team, share opinions and feedback, highlight key concerns and priorities, and help guide future analysis.
Drop-in Open House
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Westbrook Community Center Gymnasium
426 Bridge Street, Westbrook, Maine 04092.
Virtual Public Meeting
Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The virtual meeting will begin with a short presentation by the project team, including interactive exercises, and a Q&A session.
Please pre-register for the meeting if you plan on attending virtually.
For additional inquiries, please reach out to us through the Portland West Team comment form.
Public Meeting recordings
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Portland West Balanced Mobility Improvement Study?
The Portland West Balanced Mobility Improvement Study is a Maine Department of Transportation planning effort to evaluate current and future transportation needs in the Portland West region. The study will assess how people move through the area today and identify practical, balanced strategies to improve mobility, safety, and reliability for all users.Why is MaineDOT conducting this study?
Communities in the Portland West region are experiencing continued growth in population, housing, and economic activity. This study will update previous analyses and help ensure the transportation system can safely and efficiently support that growth while aligning with local, regional, and statewide land-use and transportation goals.
Which communities are included in the study area?
The primary study area includes:
- South Portland
- Scarborough
- Westbrook
- Gorham
Additional analysis may be conducted for adjacent communities, including Portland, Buxton, Hollis, and Standish, where travel patterns or transportation impacts extend beyond municipal boundaries.
What transportation issues will the study examine?
The study will evaluate a range of transportation-related topics, including:
- Existing and projected traffic congestion
- Travel patterns and future demand
- Roadway safety and reliability
- The performance of key corridors and intersections
- Opportunities to improve travel choices beyond driving alone
Will the study look at widening roads or adding new roads?
The study will evaluate the benefits and limitations of changes to existing roadway capacity as one of many potential strategies. No specific projects or roadway expansions have been predetermined. Any recommendations will be considered alongside safety, environmental impacts, community context, cost, and long-term sustainability.
What does “balanced mobility” mean?
Balanced mobility means considering a wide range of transportation options and strategies rather than relying on a single solution. This may include roadway improvements, better traffic signal coordination, transit enhancements, carpooling and ridesharing options, and improved walking and bicycling connections, depending on what best meets community needs.
Will the study consider transit, walking, and bicycling?
Yes. The study will evaluate opportunities to improve transit service, active transportation options, and connections between modes, recognizing that a well-functioning transportation system supports many different ways of getting around.
How will local communities and the public be involved?
Public and stakeholder input will be a critical part of the study. MaineDOT will work closely with municipalities, regional partners, businesses, and residents to understand local needs, concerns, and priorities. Opportunities for public engagement will be shared as the study progresses.
Does this study commit MaineDOT to building specific projects?No. This is a planning study. Its purpose is to identify and evaluate potential strategies and recommendations. Any future projects would be subject to additional planning, funding decisions, and public review.
What happens after the study is completed?The study’s findings will help guide future transportation planning and investment decisions in the Portland West region. Recommendations may inform local, regional, and state planning efforts and help communities prepare for future growth.
How can I stay informed?Project updates, public meeting information, and study materials will be posted on this webpage as they become available.
- Additional Resources
- 1993 Route 25 Corridor Study (PDF)
- 1997 Gorham-Portland Corridor Alternatives Analysis (PDF)
- 2001 Maine Mall Area Transportation Plan (PDF)
- 2012 Gorham East-West Corridor Feasibility Study (PDF)
- 2015 Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) Transit Supportive Development Study (PDF)
- Mainers for Smarter Transportation Gorham Connector White Paper (PDF)
- PACTS Connect 2045 (PDF)
- PACTS Connect 2050 (PDF)
- Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) Transit Tomorrow (PDF)
- GPCOG Transit Together (PDF)
- GPCOG Gorham-Westbrook-Portland Rapid Transit Study (PDF)
- Schedule
- Advisory Committee Meetings will be held on April 26, 2026, and are planned for every two months following, including June 2026, August 2026, October 2026, December 2026, February 2027, and April 2027.
- Phase 1 of outreach will be focused on existing conditions and evaluation criteria, which will run from March 2026 through June 2026, with public meetings focused between May 18, 2026 and June 5, 2026
- Phase 2 of outreach will be focused on feedback to refine draft alternatives, which will run from July 2026 through September 2026, with public meetings focused between August 2026 and September 2026
- Phase 3 of outreach will be focused on evaluating alternatives, which will run from December 2026 through February 2027, with public meetings focused between January 2027 and February 2027
- The final recommendations report is expected to be completed by June 2027.
