Work on the City of Biddeford’s Pearl Street Reconstruction Project is set to begin on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Shaw Brothers has been contracted to complete this project, which is projected to continue until Spring 2023.
During the project, crews will reconstruct approximately 900 linear feet of Pearl Street, from its intersection with Lincoln Street to the Saco River and Biddeford Riverwalk, and will include traffic calming bump outs, parallel parking space, pedestrian-friendly sidewalk, storm drainage, underground conduit for electric, telecommunications and internet lines, and upgrading of approximately 465 linear feet of sewer lines. The design of the reconstructed road will also allow for the street to be closed to create an open gathering space.
While the project is underway, there will be one-way traffic permitted on the street. The Blaze Brewing Company parking lot will continue to be open and accessible for customers only.
All public on-street parking spaces on Pearl Street will be eliminated during this project. Those in need of public parking in the Pearl Street area may access the Pearl Street Parking Garage. Information about hourly and monthly parking permits can be found at https://www.premiumparking.com/city/biddeford.
In April 2021, the City of Biddeford was awarded an approximately $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) under its Public Works program for assistance with the construction of roadway and utility improvements on Pearl Street. This EDA investment supports the economic revitalization of Biddeford’s Downtown Mill District by providing improved access to the City’s new parking garage and surrounding developments. Once completed, the grant project will promote further economic growth and development in the area and create jobs throughout the region.
The funding of $1,156,015 will cover 50% of the total project cost. Per the funding plan approved by the City Council, the majority of the matching funds for the EDA grant will be sourced from TIF funding, with the remaining balance from paving and CSO funds.