Central York County Connections Study

The study’s goal is to identify a series of recommendations designed to preserve or enhance transportation connections between central York County and US Route 1 and the Maine Turnpike. The study was begun in September 2010 and was authorized by the following Legislative Directive from the 123rd Legislature.

It is important to understand the reasons behind this study. While there are some pockets of peak hour traffic congestion along the state routes that connect central York County to the Turnpike and Route 1, it is clear that the transportation concerns heard from residents are about more than just an easier commute. They are also about how best to improve economic development prospects in the area.

The study will answer questions such as:

  • Can improved access to greater Sanford, as the region’s service center, make a meaningful economic difference to the prospects of Sanford and its surrounding communities?
  • In the long run, are these prospects best served by a northerly (Portland-oriented) or a southerly (NH/ MA-oriented) connection?
  • Can upgrades to existing routes serve these purposes or are more radical improvements needed?
  • How will any proposed improvements affect traffic conditions elsewhere, in particular at existing connections to the Turnpike?
  • How much will managing land use and access along these roads contribute to achieving these purposes? 
  • Finally, would improving economic development have the added benefit of allowing people to live closer to newly created jobs and services? And would this reduce the amount people travel and thus meaningfully reduce congestion?

These are the central questions this study will answer between September 2010 and the first part of 2012.

There are ten towns participating in this study, along with the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and the Maine Turnpike Authority. The towns are Biddeford, Kennebunk, Wells, Ogunquit, North Berwick, Sanford, Alfred, Waterboro, Lyman and Arundel. The Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission is also a participant.

CYCCS Final Report

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of this Study?

  • The study’s goal is to identify a series of recommendations designed to preserve or enhance transportation connections between central York County and US Route 1 and the Maine Turnpike.

What are the expectations of the Study?

  • The study will evaluate a wide range of transportation and land use options in order to determine how best to support central York County’s transportation needs over the next 25 years. The study will endeavor to find answers to questions such as:
    • Can access to greater Sanford, as the region’s service center, make a meaningful economic difference to the prospects of Sanford and its surrounding communities?
    • In the long run, are these prospects best served by a northerly (Portland-oriented) or a southerly (NH/ MA-oriented) connection?
    • Can upgrades to existing routes serve these purposes or are more radical improvements needed?
    • How will any proposed improvements affect traffic conditions elsewhere, in particular at existing connections to the Turnpike?
    • How might managing land use and access along these roads contribute to achieving these purposes? 
    • Finally, would improving economic development have the added benefit of allowing people to live closer to newly created jobs and services? And would this reduce the amount people travel and thus meaningfully reduce congestion?
  • Overall, the study will develop a series of recommendations for changes and improvements in the study area that will help to preserve the regional transportation system over the long term while meeting the projected needs of area residents, businesses and visitors.

How was the Study initiated?

  • The study was begun in September 2010 and was authorized by a Legislative Directive from the 123rd Legislature. View the directive.

Who is paying for the Study?

  • The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) are funding the study. MaineDOT is responsible for 80% of the cost, and the MTA is responsible for the remaining 20%.

What communities are participating?

  • There are ten municipalities participating in this study along with (MaineDOT) and MTA. They are Biddeford, Kennebunk, Wells, Ogunquit, North Berwick, Sanford, Alfred, Waterboro, Lyman and Arundel. The Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission (SMRPC) is also a participant.

How is the Study organized?

  • The study is managed and conducted by the Study Team, consisting of MaineDOT, MTA, SMRPC and a consultant team led by Parsons Brinckerhoff. A Steering Committee, made up of representatives of the ten participating communities, informs the study process, provides advice and feedback from both a local and a regional perspective, and builds local and regional understanding of the study goals in order to strive for general consensus for study recommendations. An Advisory Committee is made up of representatives from business, municipal, environmental, transportation and other stakeholder groups throughout the study area. They represent the voice of key stakeholders, and provide diverse feedback and differing points of view.

How could a transportation study affect economic development in Central York County?

  • As the saying goes, “time is money.”  There are costs associated with the time that it takes for workers, customers, goods and services to move between different points within a region. Some industries are particularly sensitive to travel time and costs. If an important regional corridor is improved so that it allows for more efficient and reliable movement of people and goods, this can support increased commercial or industrial growth. These new jobs would have direct (e.g. more tax base) and indirect (e.g. workers spend their money locally) impacts on the local area.  Transportation improvements can result in a host of other economic benefits as well, such as reduced shipping and commuting costs, increased productivity, expanded markets, and improved access to customers.
  • The Central York County Connections Study is using an economic evaluation model called PRISM to assess potential economic impacts of the transportation improvements that will be identified in this study. Read a detailed explanation (Word) (PDF).

What kind of changes could the Study recommend?

  • The study will investigate a varied range of options for change in roads, public transit and land use. Roadway options being evaluated include upgrading signage and traffic signals to improve the flow of traffic, as well as adding lanes  to increase the number of vehicles that can travel in the area. A major expansion of highway capacity - that is, a new road - is also being investigated to determine what effects it could have on the region. The study is evaluating improvements to public transportation and ways of increasing opportunities to walk or bike.  Land use policy options are being evaluated as well for communities to consider, including how access management regulations and zoning could be adapted to help improve traffic flow and safety.

How can I get involved with the study?

  • The Central York County Connections Study urges all interested members of the community to get involved and contribute their desires and concerns for the region. To become involved, citizens can participate in public meetings; call, email or write us a letter.

Who decides what the final study recommendations will be?

  • Final study recommendations will be based on analysis of the data gathered and the study goals as outlined in the Draft Purpose and Need Statement. 
  • The process of developing and evaluating options is a collaborative process involving the citizens, businesses, and communities of York County, as well as the Study Team, MaineDOT, Maine Turnpike Authority and other agencies. Feedback provided by the public is an important part of the study process and will be carefully considered. As funding and implementing entities, the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority ultimately have final authority in deciding upon study recommendations; the participating municipalities (as part of the Steering Committee) will also be asked to endorse study findings and recommendations.

Has it already been determined that there will be a turnpike spur built from I-95 to Sanford?

  • No, study outcomes have not yet been determined. The Central York County Connections Study is charged with exploring all feasible transportation, land use and transit options. The study will then prioritize those options that are most economical and efficient (both initially and over the longer term).  The Study Team is gathering data to understand the potential impacts – both negative and positive - for each option studied.  The study will look at the feasibility of a turnpike spur, but it is one of many potential options that are being examined.

Will the study look at transit and bicycle/pedestrian opportunities in the area in addition to vehicle opportunities?

  • Yes. The study is considering the roles all modes of transportation can fulfill.  The Study Team has already looked at transit opportunities currently available within the study area. They have also asked those who attended the first public meeting to provide their thoughts on what types of improvements could be of value. These are the first steps in identifying ways to improve transit in the study area.
  • The study will look at town cores and examine barriers to safe and efficient bicycle and pedestrian travel.  For example, how can conflicts between cars and bikes/pedestrians be reduced?  Other possibilities include recommendations that could help new development occur in ways that encourage walking and biking, or prioritize pedestrian and bicycle improvements that link residential areas with transit services.

Is the improved safety of our roads going to be considered in this study?

  • Absolutely. The Study Team has completed an extensive survey of the existing safety concerns along the major corridors within the study area. This includes an analysis of recent crashes on major routes. The study will make recommendations for safety improvements at those locations that show the greatest need.

Who will provide funding for the study’s recommendations?

  • This study is the first step in a process to identify region-wide transportation improvements. It will include recommendations that vary widely in terms of cost, priority and time frame. Some recommendations may require further study and detailed design efforts; others may be short term, simple improvements; still others may suggest changes in local ordinances or standards. Decisions regarding funding and implementation of projects will follow completion of the study in spring 2012.
Purpose and Need Statement

A Study Purpose and Need Statement is in the process of being developed by the Study Steering Committee. This document outlines the reasons, or need, for the study, and it's purpose, or what it is trying to achieve. From the Purpose and Need Statement, we will be able to generate a series of measures by which the various study options will ultimately be evaluated. In this way, the Statement has a direct bearing on the final recommendations of a study.

Developing a Purpose and Need Statement is a process that includes multiple sessions of public feedback. The first draft of the Purpose and Need Statement for this study will be available in November, and will then be reevaluated by the Advisory Committee and the Steering Committee.

Scope of Work

  • The study Scope of Work provides details on all the tasks – data gathering, analysis, public participation, for example – that will be included in the study. It is the basis of the legal work contract between Parsons-Brinckerhoff, the planning consultant for the study, and MaineDOT. The Maine Turnpike Authority is an equal partner in this study.

Documents

Study News

 

Meeting Information
Public Informational Meeting 
Date: Mon, 08/20/2012 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm 
Location: Council Chambers - Sanford Town Hall, 919 Main St, Sanford
Steering Committee Meeting 
Date: Wed, 08/08/2012 - 3:00pm - 5:00pm 
Location: York County Community College, Community Board Room, Room A201
Advisory Committee Meeting 
Date: Wed, 08/08/2012 - 11:00am - 2:00pm 
Location: York County Community College, Community Board Room, Room A201
Steering Committee Workshop 
Date: Tue, 05/22/2012 - 2:00pm - 5:00pm 
Location: York County Community College, Community Board Room, Room A201
Advisory Committee Workshop 
Date: Tue, 05/22/2012 - 8:30am - 1:30pm 
Location: York County Community College, Community Board Room, Room A201
Public Informational Meeting 
Date: Thu, 03/29/2012 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm 
Location: Kennebunk Town Office Council Chambers
Steering Committee Meeting 
Date: Wed, 03/28/2012 - 2:30pm - 5:00pm 
Location: York County Community College, Community Board Room, Room A201
Advisory Committee Meeting 
Date: Wed, 03/28/2012 - 11:00am - 1:30pm 
Location: York County Community College, Community Board Room, Room A201
Steering Committee Meeting 
Date: Tue, 09/27/2011 - 3:30pm - 6:00pm 
Location: Conant Chapel, Alfred Parish Church, Alfred
Advisory Committee Meeting 
Date: Tue, 09/27/2011 - 10:00am - 1:00pm 
Location: Conant Chapel, Alfred Parish Church, Alfred
Steering Committee Meeting 
Date: Thu, 06/16/2011 - 3:30pm - 6:00pm 
Location: Conant Chapel - Alfred
Advisory Committee Meeting 
Date: Thu, 06/16/2011 - 10:00am - 1:00pm 
Location: Conant Chapel - Alfred
Steering Committee Meeting 
Date: Thu, 03/31/2011 - 3:30pm - 6:00pm 
Location: Conant Chapel - Alfred
Advisory Committee Meeting 
Date: Thu, 03/31/2011 - 10:00am - 1:00pm 
Location: Conant Chapel - Alfred
Public Informational Meeting 
Date: Thu, 01/20/2011 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm 
Location: Council Chambers - Sanford Town Hall, 919 Main St, Sanford
Steering Committee Meeting 
Date: Wed, 01/19/2011 - 3:30pm - 6:00pm 
Location: Kennebunk Town Hall - Third Floor Meeting Room - 1 Summer St, Kennebunk
Advisory Committee Meeting 
Date: Wed, 01/19/2011 - 10:00am - 1:00pm 
Location: Kennebunk Town Hall - Third Floor Meeting Room, 1 Summer St, Kennebunk
Steering Committee Meeting 
Date: Tue, 11/30/2010 - 3:30pm - 6:00pm 
Location: Alfred Parish Church, Alfred
Advisory Committee Meeting 
Date: Tue, 11/30/2010 - 10:00am - 1:00pm 
Location: Alfred Parish Church, Alfred
Steering Committee Meeting 
Date: Thu, 10/14/2010 - 3:30pm - 6:00pm 
Location: Alfred Parish Church, Alfred
Getting Involved

Public Participation

  • To a large degree, the success of the Central York County Connections Study (CYCCS) will rely on how well the public understands and supports the study process and recommendations.
  • Achieving public support requires an understanding by everyone involved that study outcomes and recommendations cannot be predetermined by any party, either before or during the study. This is a challenge, because most people want to move quickly towards solutions. However, it is crucial that we all adopt a wait-and-see attitude regarding final results until enough evidence is gathered to guide us to the best solutions for the region.
  • To help the public support the study process and its ultimate recommendations, a transparent and interactive public outreach process will be a key part of the study.
  • Study meetings are open to any member of the public who wants to observe, and detailed minutes of each and every meeting will be available on the study website. The study website will be easy to understand and updated often. A link to a special interactive section will make it easy for everyone to participate and offer opinions.
  • Regular updates on the study’s progress will be available through the media, the website, and direct emails to those who sign up. And finally, a direct cell phone line to study staff member Carol Morris is available to anyone who has a question or wants to make a comment: 207-329-6502.

Public Involvement Document

Teams

  • Steering Committee
    • Alfred: John Sylvester, Glenn Sochtermann
    • Arundel: Tad Redway, John Derkinderen
    • Biddeford: John Bubier, Greg Tansley
    • Kennebunk: Judy Bernstein, Michael Claus
    • Lyman: Maurice St. Clair
    • North Berwick: Dwayne Morin
    • Ogunquit: Tom Fortier
    • Sanford: Brad Littlefield, Charlie Andreson
    • Waterboro: Tom Ursia, Nancy Brandt
    • Wells: Mike Livingston, Jodine Adams, Shannon Belanger
    • SMRPC: Myranda McGowan, Tom Reinauer
    • MaineDOT: Gerry Audibert
    • Maine Turnpike Authority: Conrad Welzel, Sara Devlin
  • Advisory Committee
    • Don Allen, Wells Transportation Center
    • Jim Nimon, Sanford Regional Growth Council
    • Donna DerKinderen, Arundel Comp Plan Committee
    • Chad Gerrish, Pratt & Whitney
    • Ted Hissong, Hissong Development Corp.
    • Jonathan Mapes, Sanford
    • Geoff Titherington, Sanford
    • Leo Ruel, Lyman
    • Jason Cole, Lebanon
    • Mike Campbell, Waterboro, Lyman
    • Dana Knapp, Concord Coach
    • Connie Garber, Ken Creed, York County Community Action
    • Hazen Carpenter, Mousam Way Trails
    • John Andrews, Eastern Trails
    • Heidi Woolever, Alfred Conservation Commission
    • Dan Gobiel, Kennebunk Land Trust
    • David Joy, Sanford Downtown Legacy
    • Chris MacClinchey, Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission
    • Dennis Rioux, Biddeford Conservation Commission
    • Diane Robbins, Arundel
  • Study Team
    • Uri Avin, FAICP, Parsons Brinckerhoff: Land Use Planning, Study Manager
    • Stephen Rolle, PE, Parsons Brinckerhoff: Transportation Planning, Deputy Study Manager
    • Carol Morris, Morris Communications: Public Involvement
    • David Holden, AICP, Parsons Brinckerhoff: Land Use Planning
    • Tom Errico, PE, TY Lin: Traffic Engineering
    • Evan Richert, AICP: Land Use Planning
    • Charles Colgan, PhD, University of Southern Maine: Economic Forecasting
    • Kevin Hooper, Hooper Associates: Travel Demand Modeling
    • Myranda McGowen, Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission: Regional Planning
    • Gerry Audibert, MaineDOT: Study Manager
    • Sara Devlin, Maine Turnpike Authority: Study Manager
Study Data

The Central York County Connections Study is being conducted to be consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Maine's Sensible Transportation Policy Act (STPA). Study data and findings will be posted on this page on an ongoing basis during the course of the Study.

Study Data Documents

Maps

Study Schedule

The study is scheduled to span 16 months and is broken down into the following four phases.

Study Initiation (Sept, 2010 - Jan, 2011)

  • Mobilize team and administer the study
  • Develop Purpose and Need statement
  • Initiate public outreach
  • Collect and assess data and information
  • Build models and tools
  • Travel models, econ impacts models, WEBOT
    • Initial Development and Evaluation of Concepts (Nov, 2010 - April, 2011)

Develop evaluation criteria and MOEs

  • Define range of concepts for consideration
  • Work with committees to develop and refine
  • Evaluate concepts (key MOEs)
  • Recommend and select concepts for further refinement and evaluation

Detailed Screening and Evaluation of Strategies (March, 2011 - August, 2011)

  • Refine evaluation criteria and MOEs
  • Develop packages of complementary strategies for detailed evaluation
  • Detailed evaluation of strategy packages
    • Modeling
    • Account for potential economic development affects
  • Select and prioritize recommendations

Study Finalization (Aug, 2011 - Jan, 2012)

  • Document study process
  • Public review and comment of study report

Comments and Questions
  • Comments and Questions from the Public Concerning the Study (Word) (PDF)