Franklin Street’s People-Focused Makeover | Portland Maine News

Portland’s Franklin Street is set for a dramatic transformation—from car-centric expressway to walkable, people-first neighborhood hub. The draft plan, unveiled to over 100 residents, slashes lane widths by more than half, reconnects local streets, adds protected bike lanes, and upgrades pedestrian crossings. This long-awaited overhaul aims to heal decades of urban design that prioritized cars over community, especially after two pedestrian deaths last year. While city officials and advocates celebrate the move toward safer, more connected streets, some push back—calling for bolder changes to truly restore walkability and safety. With public feedback still open until September 25th, the project, funded by a $2 million federal grant and $500K locally, could cost $30–40 million total. The goal? A street that serves everyone—not just vehicles. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b8ff8b7bb4c4d296