Plans and Programs

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

The TIP is a four-year, fiscally constrained program of capital investments planned for each MPO area, based on the priorities in the MPO Long-Range Plan.  MPO TIPs list all projects intended to be undertaken with available Federal funds in an MPO area, including those programmed by MaineDOT.  Maine MPOs update their TIPs every two years, during odd-numbered calendar years.

The TIP is the principal funding program for certain federal transportation funds within the PACTS Funding Area.  PACTS shares the responsibility with the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) for the programming of all projects funded with Federal Highway and Federal Transit Administration funds in the PACTS Funding Area.  The PACTS area covers parts or all of the following fifteen municipalities:  Biddeford, Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Gorham, Falmouth, Freeport, North Yarmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Saco, South Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, Windham and Yarmouth.

The primary purpose of the TIP document is to describe the process for the development of the PACTS "MPO Allocation" priority list of projects.  These projects are funded with federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) and National Highway System (NHS) funds made available to PACTS for the 2008/2009 biennium by MaineDOT.  You may download the PACTS TIP Policies and Procedures document by clicking on the link below.

PACTS Transportation Improvement Program 2012-2015

PACTS TIP Policies and Procedures 2014-2015

To download committee meeting materials, click here.

Upcoming Studies 2012-2013:

Gorham East-West Corridor Phase 2: Land Use Urban-Rural Pattern assistance

The Phase 1 Study determined that transportation improvements – additional transit service and roadway improvements – are not sufficient alone to manage traffic growth and congestion. A land use pattern that supports a more efficient connection between jobs, services, and residences is also essential. This study will involve Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland and Westbrook in developing a regional land use relationship that can support walkable, bikeable communities and transit.

Biddeford and Saco Wayfinding Plan

As an initial outcome of the Tri-Community Transportation Plan, the cities are working together to develop a wayfinding plan with critical gateway signage for motorist, pedestrian, and bicyclists throughout the downtowns. This plan will result in updated and unified signage for destinations, points of interest, tourism, and access to parking, the train station, and other transportation amenities.

Portland - Brighton/Deering/Falmouth Street Intersection Redesign Study

This intersection at one of the gateways to the City is the main approach from the west to the USM Portland campus, including the Maine School of Law. The intersection is currently a unique full-access six-legged intersection with poor level of service for all modes during the morning and evening commutes. It is also an unsafe intersection for all modes, and is a high crash location for vehicles. Additionally, there are many pedestrians crossing between the Law School and the rest of the campus. This study will evaluate intersection configurations to better meet motorized traffic, bicyclist, pedestrian, and transit access and safety needs.

Portland – Libbytown Traffic Circulation and Streetscape Study

The area of Portland around the I-295 Exit 5 interchange is actually the Portland neighborhood of Libbytown. In many ways, Libbytown sacrificed its aesthetic and functional integrity when the interstate came through in the late 1960s. The primary focus will be on the modernizing of streets with safety and function of the transportation infrastructure specifically in the circulation patterns to meet the regional traffic needs while improving the transportation for all modes in the neighborhood. Additionally, its identity of a place and presence of the Portland Transportation Center shall be considered.

Bicyclist and Pedestrian Plan Implementation

In 2009 PACTS updated its Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. We are working closely with our communities, bicycle and pedestrian advocates, consultants and the MaineDOT to implement many of the priorities included in the regional plan. This work includes infrastructure and standards consistency, way finding, making critical connections and making safety improvements. There is also an important encouragement and education component to the regional plan.

With the help of various agencies including the MaineDOT, we are educating citizens on how to use the built environment. PACTS will continue to work with our communities and Cumberland County to improve conditions and offer more alternatives for recreation and transportation for our citizens and for those visiting the state.