Loud huzzahs go to Jasper Curtis for his timely and thoughtful suggestion that the Portland section of Interstate 295 needs to be replaced with a boulevard (Maine Voices, Oct. 18).
Five years ago, a number of colleagues and I recommended that 1-295, between Congress Street and Washington Avenue, be “brought to the ground” and replaced with a Back Cove Boulevard, diverting all through-traffic north and south to the Falmouth Connector.
This would reclaim some 300 acres of developable land for the city; allow restoration of the adjacent street grid once destroyed; enhance Portland’s Emerald Necklace by connecting existing parks; stimulate and enhance public transportation, and facilitate access to and along the challenged Forest and Washington avenues. For a fine illustration of what it might look like, and more, go to digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/muskie/7/.
Richard Barringer
Portland
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