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Eastern Trail Update - February 10, 2023

Sports and Recreation

February 11, 2023


The GAP

We have all the land easements secured and this project will go out to bid soon as the bidding documents are complete and final paperwork is completed with landowners. The 1.6 mile “Gap” between Scarborough and South Portland will create new off-road trail to avoid traffic on Highland Ave and other roads. The project will include two significant bridges that will highlight the new trail.

Over the River

The 3-mile section through Biddeford and Saco has a completed feasibility study for building off-road Eastern Trail through the heart of the cities and connecting these communities to the existing Eastern Trail to the north and south. We are seeking support for engineering design and construction. This project has a big price tag due to the urban streetscape, but it is a priority and will create a significant alternative transportation route for everyone in these great cities.

Blaze the Trail South

The 11 mile section between Kennebunk and North Berwick is set to go out for engineering design bids in the next couple of months. This will connect the towns of Kennebunk, Wells and North Berwick to the Eastern Trail. We are also working on securing a grant for construction in conjunction with the Maine Department of Transportation, and we hope to be building some of this new section soon!

Berwicks to the Border

This 16 mile section between South Berwick and Kittery is slated for feasibility study work starting soon. We have secured the matching funds for a grant, and the towns involved have agreed they are excited to participate. The towns include North and South Berwick, Eliot, York and Kittery. This work will provide a clear path for where the off-road trail would be built, any known constraints and the associated costs. Do you currently enjoy the on-road section of the Eastern Trail in this area? We plan to keep the on-road section up and running so we can offer two options of travel in this area.

Thank you to Until/Granite State Gas Transmission for repair of the trail in Scarborough Marsh that resulted from the December 23 storm event. The before and after photos show the extent of the damage and the quick repair work of our partners who manage the gas pipeline. 

We Need Your Help!

Our website could use a facelift and we need your help. In 2023, we'd like to update wordpress theme for a fresh new look. If you are interested in helping us, email us today!

Volunteer Committee

Volunteers are the driving force behind the Eastern Trails events and our success. And, the volunteer committee sets the tone for the work that needs to happen.

Volunteers work on the Maine Lighthouse Ride, John Andrews 5k, and our outdoor Bonfire and Brew events, as well as other events we have planned with local businesses and partners.

Are you interested in serving on the Volunteer Committee? The first meeting for the committee is scheduled for February 22nd via zoom. If interested, please contact McKenzie Penton via EMAIL.

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Annual Membership

Now is a great time to join or renew your membership to the Eastern Trail Alliance.

We offer the following options for an annual membership:

-Individual $35

-Family $50

-Trailblazer $75

-Pioneer $150

-Corporate $250

-Municipality $250

-Lifetime Membership $1,000

Memberships at the $50/Family level and higher will receive a free Eastern Trail Guide.

BECOME A MEMBER