The Portland Parks and Recreation Department announced final approval for the Waterfront Trail Expansion Project on Friday, February 20, 2026, with groundbreaking ceremonies scheduled for March 15, 2026. The project will extend Portland’s popular waterfront recreational pathway by 1.8 miles, connecting the existing Congress Street trail to the Casco Bay Trail system and creating a continuous recreational corridor linking downtown Portland to the waterfront communities of Cape Elizabeth.
The expansion project has been in development for nearly four years, with extensive community engagement, environmental review, and permitting completed in 2025. The trail extension will provide safe pedestrian and bicycle access to the waterfront while opening new opportunities for property development and community recreation in underutilized waterfront areas.
Project Design and Features
The expanded trail will be 12 feet wide with separate pathways for pedestrians and bicycles, incorporating scenic overlooks, rest areas, and interpretive signage highlighting Portland’s maritime history and natural features. Native vegetation plantings will provide environmental benefits, including stormwater management and habitat creation for native wildlife species.
“This project represents a significant investment in Portland’s recreational infrastructure and quality of life,” said Parks Director James Flanagan. “The waterfront trail has become one of the city’s most beloved public assets, and this expansion will extend those benefits to more residents and visitors.”
The trail will include several gateway areas providing public access to the waterfront, addressing long-standing concerns about limited waterfront access for residents outside private development areas. Public parking areas, restrooms, and water fountains will be constructed at multiple points along the trail.
Environmental and Community Benefits
The project includes restoration of approximately 3.5 acres of salt marsh habitat, which will provide environmental benefits including improved water quality, erosion control, and habitat for migratory bird species. The trail design incorporates low-impact development features to manage stormwater and reduce pollution entering Casco Bay.
The project is expected to generate increased economic activity in the waterfront areas, with property owners and developers expressing interest in constructing mixed-use developments adjacent to the trail. The city estimates the trail expansion could generate 75 to 100 new housing units and 150 to 200 permanent jobs within the adjacent waterfront districts.
Funding and Construction Timeline
The project is funded through federal transportation grants, state bond proceeds, Portland Parks Foundation donations, and private developer contributions. Total project cost is estimated at $8.2 million, with construction anticipated to be substantially completed by fall 2027.
The city awarded the construction contract to Eastern Contractors, a Portland-based firm with extensive waterfront project experience. Superintendent James McDougal indicated that the project would employ approximately 35 to 45 construction workers and incorporate apprenticeship opportunities for entry-level workers.
Portland Mayor Mark Harmon announced that the city will host a public celebration on March 15, 2026, marking the official groundbreaking. The event will feature remarks from city officials, project managers, and community leaders, followed by a reception and guided tour of the project area. Members of the public are invited to participate in the celebration of this significant community investment.
