Maine Gov. Janet Mills recently toured the Maine Department of Transportation’s (MaineDOT) Maine Western Gateways Project in Kingfield.
The project will revitalize the highway system leading to the western mountains and Canada and New Hampshire. Work includes reconstructing and rehabilitating parts of Route 27 in Kingfield, Route 302 in Fryeburg, and Route 26 in Woodstock as well as sidewalk and shoulder improvements designed to enhance mobility and safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles.
The project has generated $8.5 billion in economic activity and supports more than 33,000 jobs.
“The Western Gateways Project is the perfect example of how we can modernize rural infrastructure to ensure that our roadways are safe for people and strong for our economy,” Mills said. “This work in Kingfield will strengthen the local economy, bolster the forest products industry, support tourism, and improve public safety.”
Route 27 in Kingfield is part of the Maine Scenic Byway. It was built in 1950, and 5,640 cars travel the route daily, 12 percent of which is truck traffic. By 2038, this is expected to grow to 6,770 cars.
MaineDOT’s work in Kingfield will cost $9.2 million and will update guardrails, repair poor drainage, and address potholes, rutting, and weak side slopes.