Farmingdale Route 201 Project
The reconstruction of U.S. Route 201 involves a 1.5-mile section of the two-lane road in Farmingdale, Maine between Hallowell and Gardiner. Route 201 runs along the west side of the Kennebec River, and is also designated as Maine Route 27. The section being reconstructed is between the DNK Used Cars location and the intersection of Route 201 and Northern Avenue. The reconstruction of Route 201 is scheduled for April 25 through November, 2011.
The initial stage of work involves roadside excavation for the installation of a new 12-inch water main, which is being done in co-operation with the Gardiner Utility District. Also, storm drainage work will be done including the installation of 17,000 lineal feet of 6”-36” diameter storm drainpipe and the construction of five major cross-culverts. The roadway itself will be completely reconstructed, with excavation of the existing road, construction of a new gravel base, grading and paving.
When completed, the reconstructed road will have two lanes, each 11 feet wide, with paved shoulders 5 feet wide on both sides. There will also be improved storm water drainage, new lighting at the Northern Avenue intersection, and new cross-walks with signs and blinking caution lights that will provide improved access to the walkway network on the east side of the road. A 5-foot sidewalk will be constructed on the west side of the road so that a sidewalk will be available to pedestrians along the entire 1.5-mile section of re-constructed road.
During construction, drivers should expect delays. Single lane closures will occur with flaggers controlling traffic in the work zone. Access to businesses will be maintained throughout the project, with only brief exceptions when individual driveway or parking lot entrances are being improved. Initially, work will occur during daylight hours and two-lanes of traffic will be open overnight. With warmer weather in late spring and throughout the summer, night work is planned, and single lane closures will also occur overnight.
Alternate routes are available, including Blaine Road and Northern Avenue to the west, and Route 9 on the east side of the river.
The entire project represents a $6 million investment by MaineDOT. The design-build contract was awarded through competitive bid-process to Sargent Corporation in September, 2010.
Public Invovlement
Public involvement in the planning of Route 201 reconstruction through Farmingdale has been ongoing from initial Public Hearings held in April, 1992 and June, 1999. MaineDOT and its engineering consultant HNTB presented a preliminary design at a Town Meeting on July 26, 2001. A Public Hearing was held at Hall-Dale High School on October 24, 2001. MaineDOT and its engineering consultant presented a project update and the results of a traffic study at a Town Selectman’s meeting on March 6, 2002.
The project went into hiatus until it was reactivated as part of MaineDOT’s response to the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009.
A Public Hearing was advertised and held on February 23, 2010 to solicit comments and feedback on a preliminary design. Abutters were sent a letter recently providing information about the project and advising them of the public hearing. MaineDOT officials presented information about the project at the hearing.
MaineDOT conducted a pre-qualification process for contractors and advertised its Request for Proposals in early 2010. Proposals from the short-list of qualified firms were received during the summer of 2010. In September, after its review of submissions, MaineDOT awarded the design-build contract for the reconstruction of Route 201 through Farmingdale to Sargent Corporation of Stillwater and Bangor, Maine.
This page last updated on
5/17/12
