SKOWHEGAN — State transportation officials seek input as they move forward with a proposal for a new sidewalk between entrances to two schools, along with improvements to pedestrian crossings near the Maine School Administrative District 54 complex.

The Maine Department of Transportation’s plans call for a new sidewalk on the southern side of West Front Street, numbered there as U.S. routes 2 and 201A, between the entrances of Skowhegan Area High School and Skowhegan Area Middle School. The road that loops around the school complex from West Front Street is known as Academy Circle.

Plans also include flashing beacons to mark two pedestrian crossings on the highway in the area as well as several culvert replacements.

Traffic detours during the project are not expected, but there may be lane closures. Entrances to the schools would not be affected, DOT says.

Construction is slated for spring and summer of 2027. 

The department is accepting public comments on the project through March 29, via a virtual, on-demand informational meeting.

In the current design, heading west to the schools from downtown Skowhegan, a sidewalk runs along all of West Front Street on the north side until just east of Poulin Drive, which is the entrance to Skowhegan Community Center.

Pedestrians continuing west toward the schools must cross there, and follow the sidewalk on the south side of the road to the Academy Circle entrance for the high school. From there, there are no sidewalks on either side of the road heading west toward the middle school entrance. Pedestrians wishing to continue to the middle school can use walkways on the school district property that cross athletic facilities.

Jessica Brown, MSAD 54’s support services manager, said town officials approached the district a few years ago to explore state grant funding for upgrading local pedestrian facilities.

“Improving pedestrian safety and making it easier for students and community members to travel along the busy Route 2 corridor has been a goal for the district,” Brown said via email, “and we are very grateful for the town’s involvement in pursuing this funding opportunity.”