Local road projects included in new Maine Three-Year Plan

By Ed Pierce

Maine’s new Department of Transportation Commissioner Dale F. Doughty has released the state’s Three-Year Work Plan, a blueprint outlining 2,798 planned transportation projects from 2026 to 2028 totaling $4.5 billion in investments across Maine. Among projects listed in the revised plan are a number of highway and bridge improvements in Windham and Raymond.

After several years of being listed on the Maine
Department of Transportation's Three-Year Plan
of projects, Varney's Bridge across the Pleasant
River on William Knight Road in Windham will
be replaced this year in collaboration with the 
Town of Windham. Projects in the state's new
Three-Year Plan have been announced.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

The Work Plan details all planned operations, planning, design, construction, and maintenance activities the Department expects to undertake over the next three calendar years.

“This document reflects thousands of hours of work across the Department,” said MaineDOT Commissioner Dale F. Doughty. “We recognize that our transportation system touches every household and every business, every day. We plan carefully, adjust when necessary, and keep our focus where it belongs – on delivering a transportation network that serves Maine.”

Doughty was confirmed by the Maine Senate as MaineDOT Commissioner earlier this month following the retirement of longtime Commissioner Bruce Van Note. Doughty had been serving as acting Commissioner since last August.

According to Doughty, while federal funding uncertainty remains, MaineDOT will continue to plan ahead, adapt, and deliver projects that maintain and strengthen Maine’s transportation network.

Among highlights of the planned capital and maintenance work in Windham under the new Three-Year Plan are:

Highway Construction and Rehabilitation for Route 302 in 2026 beginning about 0.45 of a mile west of Outpost Drive and extending west 0.14 of a mile, including the roundabout intersection with Route 202. The cost of this is estimated to be $301,000.

Replacement of Varney's Bridge on William Knight Road in 2026 at a cost of $1.7 million.

Replacement of Loveitt Bridge over the Pleasant River in 2027 located about 0.13 of a mile north of Laskey Road. The cost of this is estimated at $4.22 million.

Construction of an East Connector Road and a Middle Connector Road in 2026, along with Route 302 improvements and Route 115 and Route 35 improvements. This includes creating a new roadway from Franklin Drive and extending south to Route 115. Estimated funding is $38.2 million.

Making Highway Safety and Spot Improvements to Route 202 beginning about 0.01 of a mile south of Swett Road and extending north 0.57 of a mile in 2026. The estimated cost is $255,000.

Replacement of a large culvert on Falmouth Road over McIntosh Brook in 2026 at an estimated cost of $200,000.

Crack Sealing local road assistance in 2026 with estimated funding of $369,832.

Among highlights of the planned capital and maintenance work in Raymond under the new Three-Year Plan are:

Capital improvements to the Frye Island Ferry Service between Raymond and Frye Island in 2026, 2027 and 2028. The estimated funding for each year’s project is 373,000.

Highway paving for Route 85 beginning at Route 302 and extending north 7.98 miles to Route 11 in 2026. Estimated funding for this project is $105,000.

Ditch work and replacing culverts on Route 85 in Raymond starting at the intersection of Route 302 in Raymond and extending 7.98 miles north to the intersection of Route 11 in Casco. The estimated cost of this project is $127,000.

Doughty said that the new MaineDOT Three-Year Plan includes all capital projects and programs, maintenance and operations activities, planning initiatives, and administrative functions scheduled over the three-year period. While most of the work is delivered or coordinated through MaineDOT, the plan also reflects federal funds distributed for other transportation partners, including municipalities, airports and transit agencies.

“Economic opportunity goes hand in hand with quality of life,” Doughty said. "MaineDOT aggressively seeks out special state and federal funding for wise and thoughtful expansion and transformation. This work plan contains several projects that guide Maine in the 21st century.” <