To support its claim that expanding its highway to Gorham will save drivers time, the Turnpike Authority commissioned a study to look at the growth patterns that would result if it were to relieve traffic in the area.
The study concludes that the highway would have almost no impact on growth patterns and sprawl, because the new turnpike only saves the rush hour commuters an average 4 minutes per trip.
The MTA wants to have it both ways – they claim in one breath that the highway will have such a small impact on commutes that no development patterns will change, and in the next that the highway will relieve terrible congestion on area roads. Both things can’t be true. That’s not how it works.
There are costs and benefits to any infrastructure we build. Do we trust that the Turnpike Authority has this right? After all, the MTA is not in the business of relieving congestion – they’re in the business of building toll highways and charging Mainers tolls to use them. When you’re a hammer, all the world’s a nail.
And for $50 million a mile, losing Smiling Hill Farm, Red Brook, Mainers’ homes, forests and wildlife to save 4 minutes just isn’t worth it.
Comments
4 responses to “We lose all of this to save 4 minutes?”
No connector! The impact on environment, neighborhoods, and beauty of our area is too great for small reward. Think ahead- more evs,more cars that turn off when stopped will help. Run a shuttle bus from the park and ride. And, lastly, plan ahead for your commute allowing for the extra time needed.
Under no current conditions should the “Gorham Connector be built. The route needs turnout spaces for school busses which for up to 180 weekdays per year impact traffic delays from 7-8:40 AM and 2:30-4:30 PM as they pick up and drop off students.
This is not worth the loss for smiling hill and people’s properties. This should really be thought of
Agreed. The MTA is not only a bad idea, but also ridiculous. One of the hardest parts of being a leader is admitting you are wrong; the MTA leaders should step up and admit they are wrong! The surrounding towns should admit that the idea is bad and should not go forward. Is there any courage in leadership either from the MTA or surrounding towns? The voice of reason is with the public. The public needs to speak up and continue to be heard until this project is shut down.