Town manager details Ocean Park Road scoping study and local match for DOT funding

Town Manager Clary updated the council on Old Orchard Beach’s Ocean Park Road enhanced project scoping (EPS) study, saying GPCOG (Greater Portland Council of Governments) is carrying out detailed design and cost estimating after awarding EPS funds. Clary said the EPS award requires a 25% local match totaling $50,000 — with Old Orchard Beach contributing $40,000 and Saco $10,000 — and that the study will improve competitiveness for inclusion in Maine DOT’s main work plan.

Clary told the council early order‑of‑magnitude construction cost estimates are “upwards of $16,000,000,” and stressed that the EPS funding advances design but does not replace a full preliminary engineering report or construction funding from DOT. Councilors and staff discussed prior proposals (including an earlier two‑lane traffic circle that they said would have worsened congestion) and committed to seeking short‑term mitigations, such as turn restrictions or other quick fixes, while the scoping and funding processes continue.

"The required 25% local match totals $40,000 from Old Orchard Beach, and $10,000 from Saco," Clary said. The council did not take a separate funding vote at the meeting but affirmed ongoing coordination with GPCOG and DOT.