New Exit 35 in Saco aims to ease congestion, enhance turnpike connections – WGME

Report on the Inauguration of Maine Turnpike Exit 35 in Saco

Project Completion and Ceremony

The Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) has announced the completion of a significant infrastructure project, the new Exit 35 in Saco, Maine. An inauguration ceremony was held to mark the occasion, featuring speakers, a ribbon-cutting, and a musical performance by the Saco Middle School Band. This development represents the first new interchange on the turnpike in 21 years.

Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The new interchange is a critical investment in regional infrastructure that directly supports several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, enhancing community sustainability, economic vitality, and public well-being.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The project contributes to building resilient and sustainable infrastructure by:

• Improving connections to and from the Maine Turnpike, a vital economic corridor.
• Facilitating more efficient transit for commercial and industrial vehicles, reducing operational costs and delays.
• Upgrading regional transportation networks to support sustained economic development.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Exit 35 is designed to make the city of Saco safer, more resilient, and sustainable. Key impacts include:

• Reduced Traffic Congestion: The interchange will alleviate peak travel congestion on local roads, specifically Route 112 and Industrial Park Road, by diverting through-traffic directly to the turnpike.
• Enhanced Safety for Active Transportation: According to MTA Executive Director Andre Briere, freeing up local roads will create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Improved Urban Mobility: The project enhances the efficiency of the local transportation system for residents and local businesses.

Project Timeline and Implementation

1. 2019: Project planning and development phase initiated.
2. 2023: Construction completed and inauguration ceremony held.
3. Early November 2023: Exit 35 scheduled to officially open to public traffic.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • The article is centered on the completion of new transportation infrastructure, specifically “the new Exit 35 in Saco” on the Maine Turnpike. This directly relates to building resilient infrastructure to support economic activity and human well-being.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The project aims to improve urban life in Saco by addressing traffic issues and enhancing safety. The article states the new exit will “cut down on peak travel congestion” and make local roads “much more safe” for pedestrians and cyclists, which are key components of creating sustainable communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure

   • The construction of the “first new turnpike exit in 21 years” is a direct action towards developing quality and reliable transport infrastructure. The stated goal is to “improve connections to and from the turnpike,” which supports economic and social mobility.

2. Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all

   • The article explicitly mentions that a key benefit of diverting through-traffic is to make local roads safer for “active transportation, the bikers, the walkers.” This directly addresses the goal of improving road safety for vulnerable road users.

3. Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities

   • While not a primary focus, the article’s statement that the exit will “cut down on peak travel congestion” implies a reduction in idling vehicles. Less congestion typically leads to lower vehicle emissions and improved local air quality, thus contributing to reducing the environmental impact of the city.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 9.1

   • Implied Indicator: The physical completion and opening of “the new Exit 35” serves as a direct indicator of infrastructure development. The article notes this is the “first new turnpike exit in 21 years,” providing a measure of the rate of new transport infrastructure expansion in the region.

2. Indicator for Target 11.2

   • Implied Indicator: The article points to safety for “bikers, the walkers.” Progress could be measured by tracking the number of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists on local roads like “Route 112 and Industrial Park Road” before and after the new exit opens. A reduction in such incidents would indicate improved road safety.

3. Indicator for Target 11.6

   • Implied Indicator: The goal to “cut down on peak travel congestion” suggests that a key metric for success is the level of traffic on local roads. This could be measured by tracking average travel times or vehicle counts on “Route 112 and Industrial Park Road” during peak hours. A decrease in travel times would indicate progress.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: wgme.com