Overview: visit the Webpage
Trail Update:
1. Phase 1 & 2 - The removal of rail and construction of 31 miles of recreation trail until rail was authorized by LD 404, passed by super majorities in the Senate and House, and signed into law by Governor Mills in July 2023. The construction effort was broken down into 6 phases. The first construction effort (Phase 1 & 2 combined) will build out 10 miles of the Trail from the Fryeburg/Brownfield border (Rt 113) to Hiram (Mountain View Ave). The final engineering study for these sections began in May of this year. Completion of the study and trail “blueprints” for construction are expected in summer of 2026.
2. Regional Planning Efforts - After more than a year of planning effort, during which the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) studied the network of trails in the greater Portland area, conducted surveys of the general public, actively sought and received public support, identified gaps in the current regional trail network and development opportunities, prioritized projects, set goals for future development, formulated recommendations, and started to identify funding sources for the projects.
3. PACTS Recommendations – Over 50 projects were identified, and rank-ordered priorities assigned. The development of the MDT section from Bridge St. in Westbrook to Thompson Point in Portland was ranked # 3 and the MDT section from Rt 202 in South Windham to Bridge St. in Westbrook was ranked # 7. When connected to the entirety of the MDT sections authorized for development by LD404, these additional 2 sections of the MDT will complete the 51 miles of trail connecting Portland to Fryeburg.
The analysis and planning by PACTS represents ratification of the importance of the MDT as part of a regional trail planning effort and sets goals for this important recreational asset and active transportation for the region. For FOTMDT, the MDT, and residents of all the communities served by the trail, the PACTS efforts affirm our goals and the rising tide of support for our Trail.
If you have questions, please contact fotmdt [at] gmail.com (fotmdt[at]gmail[dot]com)
For more information and events visit: www.fotmdt.org