Bike Path Reconstruction Under Way June 20
As the University of Maine reconstructs the bike path from the campus to Old Town this summer, including phased temporary closures of path sections to accommodate the work, the closure of the first section of the bike path — from the campus to the Witter Farm Road — starts Monday, June 20 for approximately 5 weeks. The closure includes all paved areas from the intersection of Gannett Road and Hilltop Road and extends to the Witter Farm Road. During reconstruction, the bike path will be closed to all pedestrian and bicycle traffic to allow the contractor to complete work in this section. Facilities Management asks the public to please respect posted signs and do not use or enter any part of the bike path marked as closed.
A signed detour route will maintain the bike path connection from the campus to Old Town. The detour begins at the intersection of Gannett Road and Hilltop Road, goes along Hilltop Road to the Hilltop Parking Lot, and then uses a gravel road through the University forest to the Witter Farm Road. The detour will be clearly signed in both directions to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to continue to use a non-motorized path. University Park residents are encouraged to use College Avenue for pedestrian and bike access to the campus.
Upon completion of this phase, additional sections of the bike path will close for periods of 3-5 weeks until the entire project is complete. Detour routes will be provided for these sections where detours are available.
The bike path has served the greater campus community for more than 34 years. The reconstruction will essentially replace the bike path in kind, with improvements to restore appropriate grades, drainage, and wearing surface. Funding for the project is being provided by the Maine Department of Transportation and the University of Maine.
Questions or comments regarding the project may be directed to Jeffrey T. Aceto, P.E., assistant director of Facilities Management for Construction Administration at (207) 581-2669, or via e-mail to jeffrey.aceto@maine.edu.
Contact: Jeffrey T. Aceto, (207) 581-2669