MaineDOT Proposes Closing Lane on Route 1 in Scarborough, Maine

There's a classic expression in Maine that says "you can't get there from here". That expression is still used when a route is too convoluted to try to explain or wouldn't make sense.

You may be hearing that expression from people who live and pass through Scarborough, Maine, regularly throughout the summer.

That's because the Maine Department of Transportation has offered up a proposal that would take away a northbound lane on Route One in hopes of inspiring pedestrians and cyclists to use the road more.

MaineDOT Wants to Close Northbound Lane on Route One in Scarborough, Maine

According to Concerned Taxpayers of Scarborough, Maine, the MaineDOT has proposed eliminating one of the two northbound lanes on Route One along the Scarborough marsh area.

This lane elimination would extend from the traffic light to turn onto Payne Road all the way until the Tractor Supply Company.

Southbound would continue on with two lanes. But one northbound lane would be transitioned into a walking and biking path.

The lane elimination would begin in late-June and extend through August. That is typically the most congested time on that stretch of Route One all year long.

It would be a trial closure in 2026 with potential to become a permanent one in the future.

MaineDOT is Proposing The Same Lane Closure Idea in Saco, Maine

According to the Saco Bay News, the MaineDOT has proposed a similar lane elimination idea in Saco, Maine as well.

The plan for Saco is more drastic. It would eliminate lanes both northbound and southbound from Ross Road until Cascade Road. The MaineDOT plan would create a center turning lane and allow for biking lanes along the busy stretch of Route One.

Part of the hope with the Saco, Maine, proposal is to slow vehicular traffic down. Similar to the Scarborough proposal, not everyone is enthused by the idea of bottlenecking cars during the height of tourism season.