Berwick Downtown vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian study

Challenge

SLR assisted the Kittery Area Comprehensive Transportation System (KACTS) and the Town of Berwick, Maine, in creating a plan to make the downtown a safer, more vibrant community while planning development of the former Prime Tanning industrial parcel. The study area consisted of several one-way streets as well as intersections that were confusing for drivers. Wayfinding was difficult for both pedestrians and drivers.

Solution

SLR worked with the MPO and the Town in a collaborative public process toward the project goals. Through several public meetings and town department meetings, SLR engaged the public to establish what was important to the town and what they would like their downtown to look like.

The plan consisted of four main goals:

• Improve vehicular traffic circulation
• Slow down vehicle traffic and reduce speeding
• Increase bikeability & walkability, mobility and access
• Reduce driver wayfinding confusion
• Develop a unified downtown with Somersworth, New Hampshire
  

Impact

With a specific Purpose and Need statement established early in the process, SLR staff crafted several concept alternatives for the town. Taking the best ideas from each alternative, a final concept was brought forward that met the goals of the project.