Bath residents worry shipyard parking changes will lead to more traffic issues
Bath Residents Voice Concerns Over Shipyard Parking Plans
Residents of Bath are raising alarms about proposed parking improvements near the Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard, fearing increased traffic and safety issues. The shipyard recently held public information sessions at the Maine Maritime Museum to discuss plans that could add over 800 parking spaces, but community members are worried about the potential impact on their neighborhoods.
Proposed Parking Improvements and Community Feedback
The parking proposal includes the construction of a six-deck garage in the Main Lot near Route 1, along with two expanded paved lots close to the shipyard’s south gate. These developments aim to create approximately 854 new parking spaces by paving over existing dirt areas. However, residents living near Weeks Street have expressed concerns that the overflow from the Transporter Road parking lot could lead to traffic congestion and unsafe driving behaviors in their neighborhoods.
During the public sessions, Bath residents voiced multiple issues, including the timeline for construction, traffic management strategies, and noise pollution. Some residents are also worried about how these changes might affect property values and the availability of green spaces, particularly near the marsh area adjacent to Transporter Road. David Plumb from the Consensus Building Institute, which facilitated the meeting, emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns as the project moves forward.
In addition to the parking lot expansions, road improvement plans include widening Washington Street to three lanes and relocating sidewalks to create more green space. Engineers have proposed a new turnstile for the north gate and are considering a dedicated bus stop across from Union Street. BIW has also acquired several residential properties near Fisher Court to facilitate the parking lot expansion.
Addressing Transportation Challenges
The BIW currently provides parking for about half of its 4,250 first-shift employees, with the remaining 2,000 seeking alternative parking in surrounding neighborhoods. The new parking areas aim to alleviate the burden on local residents and ensure that BIW employees have accessible parking. Jake Harriman, BIW’s Manager of Facilities and Strategic Capital, stated that the goal is to create a parking solution that works efficiently for everyone involved.
A transportation study is set to be conducted in collaboration with the city, BIW, and the Maine Department of Transportation. This study will evaluate various transportation modes and propose modifications to improve the Washington Street corridor. As BIW employees increasingly commute from outside Bath—only 700 of the 6,800 employees currently live in the city—these parking improvements are seen as a necessary step to balance the needs of the shipyard with those of the local community.
