The heart of downtown Bangor could see major changes in the near future as preliminary recommendations have been presented to reduce congestion and improve safety. Ideas include adding bike lanes, changing angled parking to parallel spaces, and replacing traffic lights with roundabouts. These suggestions are part of the Maine Department of Transportation’s Village Partnership Initiative, aiming to spruce up downtown areas using federal funding.
Following years of effort to improve downtown Bangor, these changes are especially important due to the high number of pedestrian crashes in recent years. Collaborating with various organizations, the city aims to transform the downtown area into a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment.
One of the most significant proposed changes includes allowing two-way traffic on certain streets and adding multiple roundabouts at key intersections. Additionally, changing angled parking to parallel spaces on main roads would create more space for travel lanes and bicycle lanes while enhancing road safety for all users.
The project also includes creating a riverfront park along the Kenduskeag Stream, reducing the width of certain roads, and turning Broad Street into a shared plaza. These ideas seek to beautify the city, increase green spaces, and encourage more foot traffic in downtown Bangor.
Residents can provide feedback on these recommendations through an online survey, with final decisions set to be made later this year. These changes aim to not only improve traffic flow and safety but also enhance the overall appeal and functionality of downtown Bangor for residents and visitors alike.
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