The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) recently unveiled its three year plans to repair and rebuild bridges, roads, and other infrastructure throughout the state.
The work plan includes a $4.74 billion price tag, covering 2,672 projects set for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Sections of Route 1 across the state need to be reconstructed. Improvements are also being made to pedestrian areas and seaports, including Portland's International Marine Terminal.
"It's like the furnace in the basement. When's the last time you thought about your furnace?" said Bruce Van Note MaineDOT commissioner in a statement. "Probably when it broke, and transportation is the same way. So, our job in a strange way is to make the improvements so you don't think about it."
The infusion of $4.74 billion is coming from both federal and state funds. The state of Maine routinely applies for grant money, which state officials were able to secure.
Transportation officials said climate change has become part of the planning equation. They are bringing in different materials being used to preserve the roads, making them more durable so they are better able to withstand modern-day flooding conditions.
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Source: WMTW News
