Jodi MacPail – THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

It is a community project that has been in the “conceptual phase” for nearly two decades, but now the conversation about a new ‘multimodal’ bridge connecting the cities of Biddeford and Saco is once again bubbling to the surface.

On Tuesday, the Biddeford City Council will hear a proposal about the multimodal bridge that would connect Saco Island to the planned Pearl Point Park in Biddeford.

Representatives from the city of Saco and the Maine Department of Transportation will update the council about the project, a plan that will likely cost millions of dollars and require federal funding to complete.

*The concept for a new bridge* (City of Saco)

“It is an exciting concept,” said Biddeford City Council President Liam LaFountain. “But obviously, this is something that the two cities cannot take on alone. We would new federal and state funding.”

Although there is already a pedestrian bridge connecting the two cities closer to the Saco River falls, the new bridge is designed to be more user friendly

Creating a link between Saco and Biddeford is a long-term goal that has been identified in Saco’s comprehensive plans since 2011.

The new bridge is designed to improve walkability; promote equitable access to public transit and help alleviate traffic congestion by creating a shift away from personal vehicle use.

Proponents of the project also say the new bridge will encourage further economic development near the downtown core shared by both cities.

“It really is a very interesting project,” said Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail. “We’ve been talking about this for a long time. It’s nice to see some forward momentum.”

MacPhail said the project has been an ongoing topic of conversation between the two cities during past joint workshop meetings.

She said conversation about the bridge “sort of fizzled” because former Biddeford City Manager James Bennett did not view the project as a priority.

Joint meetings between the two communities slowed for a period of time until both MacPhail and Biddeford’s Marty Grohman were elected as their respective city’s mayor in 2023.

“We’ve been talking about this
for a long time. It’s nice
to see some forward momentum.”
–Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail

Today, both Grohman and MacPhail say the cities have an “excellent working relationship.”

The project is expected to cost roughly $5.5 million to construct. If the two cities decide to move forward and apply for federal funding, the project could start construction as soon as 2028.

“I think we can get back on track, and continue looking at things we can do together,” MacPhail said. “When you step back and look at it, we really are joined at the hip and one community.”

Disclosure: Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail is the step-sister of Biddeford Gazette editor Randy Seaver.

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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A group of former mayors and Biddeford’s current mayor are all hoping to run into you at one of several downtown restaurants on Wednesday evening (Feb. 5)

The “Mayor’s Night Out” event will actually be a fundraiser to support the family of Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, an 18-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department who was killed in a December traffic accident on his way home from work.

Wolterbeek left behind his wife Julie and three young children under the age of 5.

Mayor Marty Grohman said he has been thinking of different ways to help Wolterbeek’s family over the past few weeks.

“I can’t imagine how hard it has been for them to absorb this awful loss,” Grohman said during a recent interview.

Grohman said he decided to get other mayors and a number of local restaurants involved in the project.

During the event, Grohman and former mayors Alan Casavant and Donna Dion, and Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail will join diners for conversation and connection by visiting participating Biddeford businesses throughout the evening.

Participants will have the opportunity to use a QR code on their smartphones at each location to make a donation to the Trooper Black Foundation, a non-profit organization that will direct the proceeds to the Wolterbeek family.

Some of the participating restaurants and businesses will also donate a portion of their sales during the event to support the Wolterbeek family, according to a press release from the city.

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail said she was happy to be part of the event. “The cities of Biddeford and Saco are essentially one community, and we’re always looking out for each other,” she said.

Participating business include Cowbell Burger, Sacred Profane, Fish & Whistle, Pizza By Alex, The Garden Bar, Apero, OG’s, Ore Nell’s Barbecue, Banded Brewing, Brickyard Hollow, Round Turn Distilling and the Super Sub Shop.

“Biddeford is a city that shows up for its own,” Grohman said. “This event will be a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. This event is about more than fundraising; it’s about honoring Jacob’s service and standing by his family in their time of need. I hope to see neighbors, friends, and families out for a great cause.”

Former mayor Alan Casavant agreed with Grohman.

“When something like this happens, we all wonder how we can help, how we can come together as a community,” Casavant said. “I like being downtown, so I was more than happy to be involved, and hoping to see a lot of people.”

Those who would like to support the Wolterbeek family but cannot participate in the event may direct donations to the Trooper Black Foundation at https://trooperblackfoundation.org through February 15.

Checks may also be mailed to the Trooper Black Foundation (PO Box 104, Cape Neddick, Maine 03902) and should be marked as designated for the Wolterbeek family.

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Tag: Jodi MacPail

A new bridge between Biddeford and Saco?

‘Mayor’s Night Out’ event will support fallen officer