Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD1711

Introduced
4/18/23  
Refer
4/18/23  
Refer
4/20/23  

Caption

An Act to Provide for Safe Roadway Construction Design Criteria

Impact

If enacted, LD1711 would have a notable impact on state laws regarding roadway design criteria. It establishes a framework for the design and review of transportation construction projects, integrating aspects such as pedestrian and bicycle safety into the early stages of construction planning. The bill requires compliance with established standards, ensuring that designers consider factors such as lane width, shoulder width, and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, which would enhance overall road safety.

Summary

LD1711, titled An Act to Provide for Safe Roadway Construction Design Criteria, seeks to enhance roadway safety and multi-modal transportation options within the state. The bill mandates the Department of Transportation to classify public highways based on various safety metrics, including crash data and economic significance. A significant feature of the bill is the development of specific design standards for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, which aim to ensure that these facilities are adequately provided and meet safety requirements.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding LD1711 appears largely positive, with supporters emphasizing the importance of safe and accessible transportation for all users. Advocates argue that the bill could lead to a more integrated transportation network that accommodates various modes of travel, thus fostering greater community engagement with public infrastructure. Nonetheless, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential costs and administrative burden on the Department of Transportation to implement these new standards effectively.

Contention

Despite the broad support for the bill's goals, there are points of contention regarding its execution and potential financial implications. Opponents may argue about the feasibility of meeting the new design requirements within budget constraints or express concerns that overly stringent standards could delay much-needed construction projects. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the adequacy of current funding levels to support the goals set forth in LD1711, particularly in rural locales where resources can be limited.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD1674

An Act to Require and Encourage Safe and Interconnected Transportation

ME LD287

An Act to Require and Encourage Safe and Interconnected Transportation Construction Projects

ME HB513

Provides relative to bicycle and pedestrian traffic on roadways

ME H0683

An act relating to modernizing the State Designated Areas Program

ME SB288

California Environmental Quality Act: exemptions: transportation-related projects.

ME HB05170

An Act Streamlining Traffic Safety Evaluations.

ME HB05250

An Act Concerning The Safety Of Workers In Roadway Work Zones.

ME LD1141

An Act to Improve Access and System Preservation by Providing Shoulders and Bicycle Lanes on State Roadways Leading to State Parks and Other Significant Destinations

ME AB2684

Safety element: extreme heat.

ME SB198

Transportation - Consolidated Transportation Program - Prioritization (Transportation Investment Priorities Act of 2025)

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