High Street Corridor Project

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Overview

The City of Ellsworth is undertaking the High Street Corridor Study, a forward-looking effort to improve safety, accessibility, and overall experience along one of the community’s most important roadways. Supported through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities Program, this study focuses on a 2.25-mile stretch of High Street from Main Street to Myrick Street, examining how the corridor functions today and how it can better serve residents, businesses, and visitors in the future.

Through detailed analysis and community collaboration, the project will identify practical, phased improvements that enhance traffic flow while making the corridor safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Concepts include upgraded intersections, better crossing opportunities, improved sidewalks and multi-use paths, and greener streetscapes that support stormwater management. With a clear roadmap and planning-level cost estimates, this work positions Ellsworth to pursue future funding and bring meaningful, long-term improvements to the High Street corridor.

Following the High Street Corridor study presentation ( Ellsworth High St Corridor Stakeholder meeting 3_31_26) provided by Stantec on March 31 and subsequent questions/concerns that were raised, we are inviting continued stakeholder discussion via a hybrid meeting on Tuesday, April 28 from 4-5 p.m.

For more information on this study or to provide public comment on the discussions, please contact tfisher@ellsworthmaine.gov

  • Project Scope
  • Project Goals
  • Resources, Workshop, Meeting
  • Get involved

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    What this project IS

    • This is a planning study, not a construction project.
    • It’s part of the federal Thriving Communities program, providing technical assistance and positioning Ellsworth for future funding.
    • The focus is a 2.25-mile stretch of High Street from Main Street to Myrick Street.
    • The goal is to improve safety, traffic flow, and accessibility while maintaining roadway function.

    What this project is NOT

    • There is no approved plan to reduce High Street to one lane in each direction.
    • There are no immediate construction plans.
    • No decisions have been finalized.

  • The goal of the High Street Corridor Study is simple and important: to make High Street safer, more accessible, and better suited to serve everyone who uses it—whether driving, walking, or biking. Today, this corridor carries some of the highest traffic volumes in the region and has been identified as a high-crash area. This project takes a close look at those realities and works toward solutions that improve safety while still maintaining the roadway capacity our community depends on.

    At the same time, the City is thinking beyond just traffic. This effort aims to create a more welcoming and resilient corridor by incorporating greener design elements, such as street trees, improved sidewalks, and stormwater-friendly infrastructure. These enhancements not only improve safety and comfort, but also help reduce flooding risks and create a more attractive environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.

    Ultimately, the project is about setting Ellsworth up for the future. By developing clear concepts, cost estimates, and a phased implementation plan, the City will be well-positioned to pursue state and federal funding opportunities. This thoughtful planning ensures that when funding becomes available, Ellsworth is ready to move forward with meaningful, lasting improvements along High Street.

  • Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 4 pm, City Hall

    Following the High Street Corridor study presentation (Ellsworth High St Corridor Stakeholder meeting 3_31_26) provided by Stantec on March 31, 2026 and subsequent questions/concerns that were raised, we are inviting continued stakeholder discussion via a hybrid meeting on Tuesday, April 28 from 4 to 5 p.m.

    In addition to listening and responding to questions, we will review the intent of the USDOT Thriving Communities Program award the City received in 2024, and our goals moving forward. RCAP Solutions, the consultant group assigned to the City for technical assistance, did a great job of presenting this at the site visit in Ellsworth last June, but many of you could not be present at that time so it is timely to review it again. We have requested Maine DOT presence at this follow up meeting as well.

    Please know your comments, suggestions, questions, and concerns are important to the City and will be documented by Sarah Buck of RCAP, then given to Stantec for consideration as they prepare their final report for the City.

    Also, feel free to pass this invitation along to any local stakeholders that might be interested in attending. At this time, I am reaching out to our local stakeholders who were invited to the March 31 meeting with Stantec, but we welcome others. We hope to connect with you again on April 28

    Resources:

    Ellsworth 8.14.25 PPT

    TCP Final Approved Work Plan_City and RSOL_signed_March 2026

    Ellsworth High St Corridor Stakeholder meeting 3_31_26

    High Street Study Public Q&A

    High Street Study April 28th, 2026 Meeting Notes

    High Street Study April 28th, 2026 Meeting Comment Cards

    Econ Dev Newsletter June 4 2026

    Econ Dev Newsletter August 17 2026_QRcode

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    How can I be involved?