Summer Construction

These benefits include:

• Walkable Streets – Two-way conversions have been proven to be the most effective method for reducing collisions and run-ins with pedestrians, creating a safer environment for both walkers and bikers, alike.

• More Accessibility – By replicating the two-way pattern already shared by the majority of our roads across the country, our downtown streets become less confusing and more accessible to visitors from outside of the area.

• Increased Traffic Counts – In addition to improving walkability, two-way streets help increase daily car counts by opening up previously restricted turn lanes, creating a calming effect on traffic in the process.

• Safety – In addition to improving walkability, two-way streets have been proven to help reduce crime by making drivers more aware of their surroundings.

• Increased Property Values – Two-ways streets have been known to increase property values for landlords resulting in more tax revenue for the city.

• Reduced Vacancy Rates – Nearly every community that has converted from one-way to two way streets has seen a reduction in vacancy rates, often within the first five years of conversion.

Gains for Water Street

In addition to the more general benefits of two-way conversion, Water Street will also see some specific changes that will result in the following gains:

• Higher Daily Traffic Counts – According to a study published by Maine Traffic Resources, opening Water Street to two-way traffic will result in a projected increase of 50 more left-hand turns from Bridge Street per hour, resulting in more direct access to shops and restaurants downtown.

• Increased Exposure for Businesses – Allowing southbound traffic will expose more businesses on the west side of Water Street to more motorists, with visibility increased as a result of slower speeds and greater awareness of the area’s surroundings.

• More Parking – When combined with Commercial Street renovations, two-way traffic will result in a net gain of three more parking spaces for downtown visitors.

• ADA Accessibility – As part of the two-way conversion, all crosswalks will be upgraded to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant standards, resulting in safer, more accessible entries to our shops, restaurants and residences.

• A Greener Downtown – In tandem with two-way conversion, new trees will be planted along Water Street, resulting in a greener, more aesthetically pleasing downtown.

• Safety – With the opening of southbound traffic to Water Street, we effectively eliminate “Wrong Way Wednesdays,” creating a safer, less stressful environment for first-time visitors traveling to downtown.

• New Parking Signage – New parking signs for Downtown will be produced in tandem with two-way traffic to showcase additional parking opportunities for patrons.

• Greater Connectivity with Other Parts of Downtown – With two-way conversion, travel to and from the north end of downtown will produce a seamless flow for the first time, better connecting the area north of Bridge Street to the rest of Water Street.