2019.09.23 Council Agenda Item 9
Summary
Report from staff regarding the Blackstrap Road project.
A public comment period will not be included with this item.
ACTION: Council action is not anticipated.
Description
Background:
The 2017-18 and 2018-19 Council Work Plans (action 52 and 17 respectively) directed staff with priority #1 to start a process to develop a plan for Blackstrap Road improvements. In addition, the 2016 Bicycyle and Pedestrian Plan has a medium term recommendation to install a bicycle lane or designate a portion of the road for shared access (action 46).
Blackstrap Road runs for 6.3 miles from the Cumberland Town line to the Portland City line. This predominantly rural road is characterized by narrow shoulders, winding curves, and areas of poor pavement condition. The road is governed by multiple jurisdictions, including the Town, MaineDOT, and Maine Turnpike Authority.
The planning effort was initiated in Fall 2017. TY Lin was hired to assist with this effort. A letter was sent to West Falmouth property owners informing them about plans to improve Blackstrap Road and inviting them to a Public Forum in April 2018. That meeting was attended by approximately 40 residents.
Soil borings were conducted by R.W. Gillespie to assess the extent of road work needed. A conceptual road design and cost estimate were prepared by TY Lin. The concept plan was reviewed by staff and MaineDOT. Staff fine-tuned financial data with its consultant and met again with MaineDOT staff in June 2019 to review a possible partnership approach. A second Public Forum was conducted on September 11, 2019, which was attended by approximately 40 residents.
Current Status:
Feedback from the September 11, 2019, Public Forum is currently being reviewed by MaineDOT. Staff expects to make a specific recommendation to the Council and seek its guidance regarding next steps in October-November 2019.
Expenditures of this phase of the work are $10,000 for engineering and $10,701 for soils work. These expenses have been paid from the OceanView-Natural Gas TIF, which contains a road improvement list that includes Blackstrap Road.
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