The city of Portland is in the final stages of designing two new trails that will nearly complete a route for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate around the peninsula.
These trails aim to provide opportunities for clean transportation, as well as safer options for pedestrians who currently have to navigate through traffic. The current trails cover large sections of the perimeter such as the Eastern Promenade and Fore River Parkway, but there are still gaps to be filled.
The first trail, the Union Branch Pathway, will have designs finalized this winter, with construction scheduled to begin in spring or summer of 2025. This will run from State Street behind Deering Oaks to Park Avenue. This trail will feature both a walking gravel path and a two-lane paved biking trail. The Maine Department of Transportation agreed to fund the $2.8 million dollar project.
The second project, the Union Branch Connector, is still in the preliminary design phase. The tentative route has been mapped out, but is still waiting on approval and funding for construction. This trail will connect the gap between Park Avenue and Fore River Parkway, linking up the Portland Transportation Center.
These improvements to the city’s trails are intended to make exercise, attending local events, and commuting to work all easier without relying on cars. The ultimate goal of the city is to connect all of the trails around Portland’s peninsula, so that getting around is more accessible. These two projects are a good start, but there are still some gaps.
