Shaker Road Infrastructure Improvements

Shaker Road, the road that links Main Street with Route 26A, is one of the most heavily trafficked areas in Gray. Recognizing that residents view traffic issues as a threat to their quality of life, one of the goals of the Town’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan was “to address current transportation infrastructure needs to manage traffic and ensure safety of residents and visitors.”

As a sign that the Town is working actively toward this goal, we are pleased to share that the Shaker Road sidewalk and drainage project is nearly complete. The project area includes both sides of the road from Main Street to Chipman’s Farm Stand. Twenty-eight drainage basins and four outfall pipes were replaced, and more than 5,200 feet of aging sidewalk were reconstructed and widened to a more usable/maintainable five feet. Approximately 860 feet of new sidewalk were added to the west side of the road going north. Importantly, these sidewalks (including all road and driveway crossings) are now compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. 

This project, which ran from March to October 2021, has only a short punch list of items remaining to be completed this spring, including review of disturbed areas of vegetation to ensure adequate grass cover, addressing any remaining paving or drainage concerns, and replanting trees at appropriate viable locations. The project, which is on track to be completed at or under budget, was only possible thanks to funding from both the Town of Gray and the Maine Department of Transportation (with the State providing 48% of total costs), and the efforts of those involved in the construction work.

You can read about this project and other town-related news in this month's News About Town newsletter.