It's baaa-aaack...

Highway Expansion!

The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) is planning the following projects for Exit 7 off of I-295:

• Adding a stop-light on the Northbound ramp. We support this addition, as it would make for safer pedestrian access, and control traffic flow better for bikers.
  
  

• Creating an additional lane to the Southbound Exit Ramp. We do NOT support this, and for the following reasons:

1. This motion does not follow the Sensible Transportation Policy Act (STPA), which states that MDOT must explore all other safety and traffic flow options before moving to expand a road.
   
   

2. MDOT is claiming that there is a projected 30% increase of traffic flowing south-bound on Exit 7. In MDOT's own report monitoring this particular ramp, there has not been a significant increase in over 20 years!
   
   

3. In MDOT's own I-295 Corridor Study, there is research and language about incredibly viable alternatives to road expansion, some of which include enhancing mass transit options.
   
   

4. Lastly, expanding the Southbound Exit Ramp would greatly impact pedestrians' safety when attempting to utilize the trail situated around Exit 7.

You did something about it last time-lets harness that passion again! Call Chellie Pingree's Office and leave the following message

-- 207-774-5019 --

"Hello, this is a message for Chellie Pingree. My name is ________ and I live in [City, ME.] I'm calling to express concerns over how the Maine DOT is planning to spend our federal earmarks to expand the freeway ramps on Exit 7, without providing adequate pedestrian access between Bayside and Back Cove. Some elements of their plan - like adding a new traffic light and crosswalks - are moving in the right direction. But their plan to widen the southbound off-ramp, thus blocking pedestrian access to Back Cove Park, goes against our state's goals for energy independence, fiscal responsibility, and reducing pollution. Please encourage the Maine Department of Transportation to spend some of the money from the federal government on sustainable transportation alternatives for our future, not more highway!"

Once you've made those calls, please send Katie an email saying you did so!

More pavement? No thanks!