Portland North Study

This page is your guide to and resource for information about the Portland North Alternative Modes Transportation Study, or the "Portland North" project for short. In this study, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is considering implementing either rail or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service between Portland and destinations north of Portland. Bus service would be provided in the I-295 and I-95 corridors, and the following three rail corridors will be analyzed for potential funding under the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Small Starts program:

  1. Portland to Yarmouth
  2. Portland to Brunswick
  3. Portland to Auburn

The study will evaluate each corridor, route, transit mode, and service alternative to identify the option that ranks the highest according to FTA criteria. The Small Starts analysis will also meet requirements outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act and in the Clean Water Act.

This web site contains information about the history of the project, the project schedule, who is involved, previous studies, alternatives currently being studied, stakeholders, public participation, and contacts. Use the links at left to navigate the site, and please refer to the contact information page if you would like to be added to the project e-mailing list.

Project Information

The purpose of the Portland North project is to study potential transit improvements—in the form of either rail service or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)—between Portland and Brunswick and/or Auburn.

History of the Project

  • The Portland North Project follows on work completed in previous studies:

    • I-295 Corridor Transportation Study
    • Portland North Alternatives Review
    • Draft Environmental Assessment for the Portland North Passenger Rail Service Extension Project
    • Potential extensions of the Amtrak Downeaster service
    • Other previous bus and rail studies.

Portland North Project Schedule

Bus Rapid Transit

BRT is a relatively new type of transit mode that incorporates the flexibility of rubber-tire buses with the speed, capacity, and operational elements of rail service. BRT vehicles can run in either their own dedicated rights-of-way or on roadways mixed with other traffic. If selected as the transit mode for this project, BRT service would be provided in the I-295 and I-95 corridors.

Rail Service

Rail Documents

Project Team

Reference Documents

Freeport Visitor Survey October 2008

  • The survey asked travelers about their trip origin, mode of travel, group composition, and whether this trip to Freeport included stops elsewhere around the state or region.
    (Word) (PDF)

I-295 Corridor Study

  • Jan. 2008: This study is evaluating the long-term needs of the I-295 corridor between Scarborough and Brunswick and identifying a set of recommendations to provide safe, efficient transportation service through the 2025. This draft document highlights the main ideas of the study. (PDF)

Highlights from "Connecting Maine: Maine's Long-Range Transportation Plan"

  • Dec. 2007: Connecting Maine is the state’s integrated, long-range, multimodal transportation plan through the year 2030, which identifies transportation issues as well as social, land-use and economic needs. It considers future challenges and opportunities unique to Maine and establishes a framework of goals, objectives, and performance-based strategies for meeting future needs and addressing anticipated challenges. (PDF)

Environmental Assessment for the Auburn Intermodal Passenger Center

  • March 2007: MaineDOT proposes to construct the Auburn Intermodal Passenger Center to increase accessibility and mobility for travelers, reduce highway congestion, and improve air quality. The Federal Highway Administration has reviewed the EA for the project and found that it will create no significant impacts to the environment. (PDF)

Portland North Expansion Review, Alignment Alternatives

  • Dec. 2006: An assessment of overall needs and opportunities associated with the expansion of rail service in Maine, including work elements, capital and operating costs, and levels of service. (PDF)

Cost Feasibility for the Portland Commuter Rail Study

  • Dec. 2005: Provides a summary of preliminary construction costs for track and related improvements necessary for commuter rail service from Portland to Brunswick and Auburn. (PDF)

Economic Benefits of Amtrak Downeaster Service

  • March 2005: An assessment of economic impacts associated with the Amtrak Downeaster service between Portland and North Station in Boston, which was restored in 2002. (PDF)

Draft Environmental Assessment, Portland North Passenger Rail Service Extension Project

  • Nov. 2004: A draft document that was begun but never completed, the Portland North EA in 2004 covered the initial purpose and need of the project, the project history, several alternatives, elements of the preferred alternative, the affected environment, consequences and mitigation, and an evaluation of the proposed action. (PDF)
Public Participation

There will be opportunities throughout 2008 for the public to participate in the Portland North Expansion planning process. This page will announce the dates, times, and locations of upcoming meetings and special events.

In the meantime, if you would like to be added to the e-mail list to receive periodic updates about the project and future public meetings, please send a message to MaineDOT's Sue Moreau at susan.moreau@maine.gov or phone her at 207-624-3239.

Summary List of Meetings

  • May 4, 2010: There will be a Public Meeting for the Portland North Small Starts Alternative Modes Study at the Town Council Chamber at 16 Station Avenue in Brunswick on Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 from 6 to 8 PM
  • April 28th, 2010: There will be a Public Meeting for the Portland North Small Starts in Study Room 109 of the Abromson Center at USM in Portland 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010.
  • December 10, 2009:  Stakeholder Alternatives, Modeling and Cost update at AVCOG
  • December 10, 2009:  PACTS/Stakeholder Alternatives, Modeling and Cost update at GPCOG
  • June 30, 2009:  Town of Brunswick Coordination Meeting at Brunswick Town Hall
  • June 16, 2009:  Town of Cumberland Coordination Meeting at Cumberland Town Hall
  • June 16, 2009:  Town of Yarmouth Coordination Meeting at Yarmouth Town Hall
  • June 16, 2009:  Town of Freeport Coordination Meeting at Freeport Town Hall
  • June 15, 2009: Town of Falmouth Coordination Meeting at Falmouth Town Hall
  • June 15, 2009: Town of Lewiston Coordination Meeting at AVCOG
  • May 27, 2009:  City of Portland Coordination Meeting at Portland City Hall
  • May 24, 2009:  Railroad Coordination Meeting with SLR at SLR Offices
  • March 24, 2009:  General Stakeholder Progress Meeting at GPCOG
  • March 24, 2009:  General Stakeholder Progress Meeting at AVCOG
  • March 20, 2009:  Railroad Coordination Meeting with Pa Am Railways at the PTC
  • February 11, 2009:  General Stakeholder Progress Meeting at  GPCOG
  • February 11, 2009:  General Stakeholder Progress Meeting at  AVCOG
  • May 28, 2008:  General Stakeholder/Kickoff Meeting at AVCOG
  • May 27, 2008:  General  Stakeholder/Kickoff  Meeting at Falmouth Town Hall

Technical Advisory Committee

  • In addition to soliciting opinions from the public about the study, the project team will also be relying on the expertise of a Technical Advisory Committee to help guide the project. Members include the following:

    • Maine Department of Transportation
    • Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA)
    • Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG)
    • Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG)
    • Pan Am Railroad
    • St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad (SLA)
    • Lewiston-Auburn Railroad
    • Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA)
    • AECOM Transportation.

Stake Holders

  • Current List of Stakeholders (Word) (PDF)
Stakeholder Meeting Minutes
  • Meeting Minutes 02-11-2009 (Word) (PDF)
Newsletters
Presentations