Union Branch Multi-use Pathway Project
Construction Update - June 2026
There is exciting progress to report (and show) on the construction of the Union Branch Multi-use Pathway!
Progress continues on the Union Branch Trail that was designed by Toole Construction! The Public Works Project Team and Shaw Brothers Construction are hard at work creating a unique new connection for our community.
Once complete, the project will feature a 12' paved pathway, a stone dust jogging path within the old rail line, lighting, stormwater features, and accessible park and community connections, providing a seamless, enjoyable route from Forest Avenue to Hadlock Field (and with future planned extensions beyond).
A quick safety note for our community:
For your safety and the safety of the crews, please hold off on using the path until its planned completion, which is planned for September. While we absolutely love the enthusiasm and can’t wait to share it with you, the Union Branch Path project is still an active construction site. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we put the finishing touches on this amazing community space!
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The City of Portland is working with MaineDOT to design two multi-use pathways/bikeways to connect the future extension of the Bayside Trail at Forest Avenue/State Street to the Fore River Parkway Trail/Portland Transportation Center. These two projects will close important gaps in a planned continuous series of off-street or physically-separated pathways/bikeways encircling the Portland peninsula. Specifically, the projects will advance the work to close key gaps enabling all ages/all abilities bicycling, walking and wheeling connections between the Bayside, Parkside and Libbytown neighborhoods.
These new connections span two distinct project segments at different stages of planning and design.
- Union Branch Pathway (WIN18469.00). The first segment is a multi-use pathway under design now along the city-acquired Union Branch railroad line that lies between I-295 and Deering Oaks/Fitzpatrick Stadium/Hadlock Field, from Forest Avenue/State Street to Park Avenue. Within the 40' of rail right-of-way, the draft design includes a 12' paved pathway, pathway lighting and creating a stone dust path between the retained railroad tracks for jogging/walking/XC skiing. Several connections are also planned into Deering Oaks Park, Fitzpatrick Stadium and Hadlock Field. There is funding for both design and construction of the pathway, with construction to begin as early as 2024.
- Union Branch/Libbytown Connector (WIN18469.10). The second segment, still in preliminary planning stages, will connect from Park Avenue/Hadlock Field to the Fore River Parkway Trail and the Portland Transportation Center. Several alignments in various configurations for this connection have been identified and evaluated. This project will leverage design now also underway by the City and MaineDOT as part of the Libbytown Safety and Accessibility Project (https://portland.civilspace.io/en/projects/libbytown-safety-accessibility-project). From Park Avenue to Congress Street two route options are assessed: 1) a pathway on the old rail alignment using the bridge over Park Avenue and 2) retrofitting a portion of Valley Street to a separated bikeway/cycle track next to the sidewalk. From Congress Street to the Fore River Parkway Trail, options along County Way, Westfield Street and Frederic Street have been assessed. Currently, there is only funding in place for design of the project. No construction funding has been secured yet.
Post Public Meeting UPDATE (9/28/23)
Approximately 20 people attended the Public Meeting on September 26th. For those of you that were unable to attend in person, we developed an on-line version of the questionnaire that was provided at the meeting -- responses are now closed. The presentation slides, meeting notes and the 15 questionnaire responses are available below.
An open house and public meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 5:45PM - 8PM to present preliminary design plans for public input and comment for the Union Branch Pathway Design Project. In 2022, the City of Portland acquired the Union Branch rail corridor from the MaineDOT from State Street to Park Avenue to design and construct a shared use pathway. The MaineDOT has funded $270,000 for design and $2.8M for construction of this pathway.
Also to be presented at the meeting will be preliminary alignment concepts for the Union Branch/Libbytown Connector Pathway Project from the Union Branch Path's planned terminus at Park Avenue to connect to the Fore River Parkway Trail. Together, these two projects comprise the Parkside to Portland Transportation Center Pathways initiative.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 5:45PM - 8:00PM
WHERE: Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall, 20 Myrtle Street, Portland
WHAT:
- Open House from 5:45PM - 6:30PM to browse project exhibits and discuss the projects with project staff.
- Public Meeting from 6:30PM - 8:00PM with project presentations and time for questions and comments.
You can submit written comments or request accommodations at the public meeting via email to Bruce Hyman, Transporation Program Manager, at bhyman@portlandmaine.gov.
Preview the Meeting Materials
Union Branch Pathway DRAFT Preliminary Design Report (PDR)
Union Branch/Libbytown Connector Draft Alignment Memo
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