Photo: Maine Turnpike Authority

Maine’s transportation infrastructure has fallen into disrepair, and with every failing bridge and posted state highway, the state’s economy and quality of life are at risk. The MaineDOT estimates that the state will need to invest an additional $220 million a year over the next 10 years to address the problem, including $50 - $65 million a year to repair and replace hundreds of old and deficient bridges. These bridges and highways serve as critical links for Maine communities and every day that we let them fall into further disrepair costs us in lost lives, lost income and lost economic potential.

If Maine’s economy is going to thrive in the coming century, state leaders must recognize the benefits of a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure and invest to protect those benefits. This document is a compilation of research gathered by the Maine Development Foundation that demonstrates the positive and negative consequences associated with varying levels of investment in Maine’s transportation system.  This publication was made possible in part through the support of the Maine Better Transportation Association.