Scarborough Transportation Committee Reviews Portland West Study Options

The Scarborough Transportation Committee met on Sept. 29 to review the state's Portland West Balanced Mobility Improvement Study, comparing targeted safety upgrades against more substantial options that include roundabouts and a new road. Members raised questions about missing traffic data, transit funding, and whether the targeted scenario does enough to ease congestion. The committee also heard updates on Metro's new Route 25 bus service, a Sawyer Road safety audit, and the Scottow Hill Road culvert project.

Key points

• The committee approved the minutes of the Aug. 25 meeting, with one member abstaining because they were not present.
• Members reviewed four study scenarios (no build, targeted upgrades, substantial upgrades, and two-lane and four-lane new road options) and focused on intersections within or near Scarborough.
• Several members said the targeted scenario improves safety but does little for traffic flow, and questioned why the study has not presented existing traffic count data or explained why volumes on Routes 22 and 25 are flat or lower than 20 years ago.
• Members criticized a proposed two-lane roundabout and one-way street configuration near Gorham Road and County Road, saying it would encourage speeding and conflict with a possible village center.
• Members suggested single-lane roundabouts and other lower-cost, phased alternatives as options the study has not modeled.
• Staff noted the town has asked DOT to return to a future meeting to answer questions, and that DOT has previously said it is willing to do so.

Next steps

• Residents and committee members can email the town with questions for DOT or other municipal bodies.
• A ribbon-cutting for Metro's new Route 25 fixed bus service is set for Friday, Oct. 2 at 9 a.m. at town hall.
• A safety audit for the Quarry Road and Sawyer Road intersection, selected after a committee application, will begin in spring 2027.
• The Town Council will hold a workshop on the Scottow Hill Road culvert on Oct. 1, with a possible decision by Nov. 4 to keep the next construction window open.
• Staff will bring traffic calming concepts for the Pain Road and Two Rod Road area to the committee at a future meeting.

Read the full transcript