Libbytown Traffic Circulation Study

Beginning in 2012, the City of Portland began looking at traffic circulation patterns and traffic-pedestrian-bicyclist safety in the Libbytown and St. John/Valley neighborhoods in the vicinity of where Congress Street and Park Avenue. Among other changes, the study looked at potential safety and accessibility benefits of converting Congress Street and Park Avenue to two-way operation. The study ultimately recommended two-way conversion of both of these streets, along with a slate of bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the area.

Phase I Study 2012-2013
Phase II Traffic Analysis Update Report October 2018
Presentation to Sustainability & Transportation Committee February 2019

Libbytown Safety and Accessibility Project

As of 2021, the City of Portland has been awarded funding from PACTS to begin the design process to implement the study's recommendations. This project, the Libbytown Safety and Accessibility Project, includes the recommendations to convert the one-way sections of Park Avenue and Congress Street to two-way streets, with accompanying street/streetscape design elements to improve the streets' function, safety and aesthetics. The removal of I-295 ramps is not part of the proposed project although the project will consider reconfiguring how they intersect with both streets.

Presentation to Libbytown & St. John/Valley Neighborhood Associations September 2021

The City and MaineDOT kicked off the Enhanced Project Scoping phase of the project on October 21st with a site walk and community meeting.

Presentation at Community Meeting  October 21, 2021

Commercial Street Operations and Master Plan

Beginning in 2018, the City of Portland collaborated with the Maine DOT and PACTS to develop a master plan for Commercial Street from India Street to the Casco Bay Bridge/International Marine Terminal.  The plan's goal was to maintain critical access to and from the adjoining piers, wharves, and passenger and freight facilities as centers for marine commerce while striking a balance with emerging multi-modal needs and economic development opportunities.  The study concluded in 2021.

The cities of Portland and South Portland jointly conducted a PACTS funded study of the multi-modal transportation/land use/urban design/place-making opportunities on the corridor that stretches from Morrill's Corner/Forest Avenue to State and High Streets to Broadway/SMCC/Bug Light Park.  The corridor connects four colleges and universities as well as multiple neighborhoods and neighborhood centers.  The study commenced early in 2017 and wrapped up in the spring of 2018. 

Final Report October 2018
Presentation to Sustainability & Transportation Committee

The Smart Corridor Plan is a follow-up to and builds upon the Transforming Forest Avenue Study, adopted by the city council in 2012.  Transforming Forest Avenue looked at Forest Avenue from Woodford's Corner to Deering Oaks Park/Park Avenue.  The Woodford's Corner project, the top priority from the Transforming Forest Avenue study, was completed in 2018.  Plans and information about the project can be found at Woodfords Corner Public Improvement Plans. 

Franklin Street Feasibility Study

The Franklin Street Feasibility Study developed transportation, land use and urban design concepts for Franklin Street from Marginal Way to Commercial Street.  The second phase of the study recommended returning Franklin Street, over time, to a more traditional urban street that will better serve future traffic levels, help re-knit together adjoining neighborhoods and support new infill development and redevelopment.

Final Report July 2015