MaineDOT and Town of Scarborough Exploring Route 1 Infrastructure Improvements and Pilot Project
Temporary pilot project to gauge traffic impact will take place this summer.
AUGUSTA – March 27, 2026 — The Maine Department of Transportation is investigating a project that would strengthen transportation infrastructure along a section of Route 1 in Scarborough to withstand anticipated impacts of sea level rise, flooding, and high-tide events. Working with the Town of Scarborough, MaineDOT plans to conduct a study this summer to help guide a project aimed at improving the long-term resilience of this corridor.
The project would ultimately elevate approximately one mile of Route 1 between Harlow Street and Southgate Road to protect infrastructure and maintain reliable transportation access in the area.
As part of the planning process, MaineDOT and the Town of Scarborough are discussing a temporary pilot project that would reduce the roadway to one northbound travel lane within the project area. The pilot is being considered, in part, to evaluate Scarborough’s request that a multi-use path be included in the final project scope. In order to avoid impacts to nearby waterways, the project would be limited to the existing roadway footprint, as including a multi-use path would require reducing the northbound lanes to a single lane. The multi-use path will not be constructed as part of the pilot project. The roadway will return to its current configuration once the pilot program is completed in August.
The pilot would allow MaineDOT and the Town to gather real-world traffic data to better inform final design decisions. Preliminary traffic studies indicate the temporary lane configuration is expected to have minimal impact on traffic flow. The Town of Scarborough will determine whether to move forward with the pilot project.
MaineDOT presented the proposed project to the Scarborough Transportation Committee on March 24 and will provide a formal presentation to the Scarborough Town Council on April 22.