Route 1 Corridor Study

A Route 1 Corridor Transportation Feasibility Study has been conducted to look at proposed conceptual improvements along the Route 1 Corridor. The study focuses specifically on Route 1 from the Wells/Ogunquit Town Line and proceeding 5.6 miles north to the Route 9 intersection.

A Public Meeting and Open House was held on June 25, 2024 as a means for the public to learn about the study, ask questions, leave comments and voice their concerns. A Presentation on a review of Draft Connectivity Study Concept Plans was held on June 3, 2025.

Documents

Public Meeting Live Stream

The June 25th, 2024 Public Meeting can be viewed here.
The June 3rd, 2025 Connectivity Study Presentation can be viewed here.

Project Overview

Planning Partnership Initiative (PPI): Town of Wells in collaboration with the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT).
Generational Opportunity: The Town reached out to MaineDOT to inquire about a comprehensive study to help evaluate potential improvements. Route 1 in Wells has not had this type of data driven, solutions-oriented study completed in the past.
Location: The study area focuses on Route 1 beginning at the Wells/Ogunquit Town line and proceeds north for approximately 5.6 miles to the intersection of Route 9/Bypass Road.

Study Purpose

The study’s purpose is to identify transportation and land use recommendations to improve safety, efficiency, and mobility for all transportation modes, primarily within the existing ROW, while complimenting economic development. The study will evaluate highway safety and mobility but also emphasize improvements for Active Transportation and Transit.

Technical Advisory Committee Members

Member	Affiliation
Michael Pardue	Town of Wells, Town Manager
Carol Murray	Town of Wells Consultant
Michael Livingston	Town of Wells, Planner/Engineer
Chris Baez	Town of Wells, Police
Marty Rooney	MaineDOT, Planning
Dean Williams	SMPDC, Planner
Tony Grande	VHB, Project Manager
Jason Ready	VHB, Traffic

Project Information

PROJECT LIMITS:

Begins at Ogunquit Town Line
Approximately 5.6 miles north to the intersection of Route 9/Bypass Road

FOCUS AREAS/HCLS:

Within last 10 years (47 bicycle crashes, 14 pedestrian crashes, 11th highest rate in the State)
Total vehicular crashes in study area (2019-2021) = 57 total crashes
High crash locations in study area: 3 intersections and 2 roadway segments

EXISTING CONDITIONS:

Summer peak ~20,000 and Off Peak ~ 7,300 average vehicles per day
Generally, three lanes with a continuous two-way center left turn lane
Speed limit:
- 40 mph from Bypass to Littlefield
- 35 Littlefield to Pope
- 40 mph from Pope to Ogunquit town line
Existing traffic signals at five intersections along Route 1 at Bourne, Littlefield, Wells Plaza/Steeple, Mile, Sanford

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Provide consistent travel lane widths
5 existing/10 additional proposed pedestrian flashing beacons along Rte 1
New traffic signal technology with emergency pre-emption
2 new signalized intersections (Chapel Road and South Street)
Raised center median islands (in select locations)
New traffic configuration at selected intersections
Adding continuous sidewalk along easterly / ocean side of Route 1
Gateway treatments at each end of study area

ROW AND EASEMENT REQUIREMENTS:

All improvements are primarily within existing ROW