Final Report - VHB.com

4.11 Other Roadway Modification Ideas
As the Feasibility Study progressed, various ideas for modifying the roadway system
were suggested. These suggestions were voiced at public informational meetings,
public workshops, or through the feedback link on the Study website. Each
suggestion was considered in the initial screening process. However, for various
reasons (e.g., failing to meet the purpose and need, falling outside the initially
defined strategies, project cost, and project impact), these ideas were not advanced to
the detailed-evaluation phase. Nevertheless, these ideas could be given further
consideration in the future. Four of the ideas are described in this section.
4.11.1 Maine Street/US Route 1 Interchange
Left-turn movements from US Route 1 northbound and southbound onto Maine
Street in Brunswick are currently prohibited. This left-turn prohibition is not only
confusing to motorists; the prohibition is also problematic as southbound-destined
motorists who are unable to turn onto Maine Street turn left onto Cushing Street,
thereby impacting the residential neighborhood. Additionally, motorists destined for
Topsham who are prohibited from turning onto Maine Street northbound travel
through downtown Brunswick by way of Pleasant Street.
As part of a separate study effort, the MaineDOT is evaluating options to address
this left-turn problem. As an immediate action, the MaineDOT is proceeding with a
project to reconfigure the US Route 1 southbound off-ramp at the intersection with
Maine Street so as to allow left-turn movements. The planned modifications, which
include the installation of traffic-signal control, are expected to be in place by 2011.
In addition to this immediate action, this separate study considered potential longterm
solutions such as a roundabout at the southbound ramp and a single-pointurban
interchange (SPUI). The SPUI would accommodate both southbound and
northbound left-turn movements. Construction of the SPUI requires the relocation of
the US Route 1 northbound on-ramp from its current location off of Mason Street to a
location immediately adjacent to US Route 1 and tight to the interchange.
4.11.2 New Interchange on I-295 at River Road
In an effort to reduce the level of traffic congestion on Pleasant Street, it was
suggested that the construction of a new interchange on I-295 at River Road be
considered. The thinking was that motorists traveling between I-295 and River Road
west of I-295 unnecessarily travel along Pleasant Street. Construction of a new
interchange at this location would provide motorists traveling to and from the west a
direct connection to I-295, thereby reducing the traffic volume on Pleasant Street.
Summary of Options 133