SACO — Scarborough and Saco residents will have two opportunities to make recommendations for a safer and more accessible U.S. Route 1.

The Saco and Scarborough communities began working last year with the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System to make Route 1 safer and more accessible for all modes of transportation, including motor vehicles, public transit, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Vehicle traffic on Route 1 is increasing, as is the use of the road by bicyclists and pedestrians. The plan intends to address the conflicts caused by these increases and create a business-friendly roadway that also encourages people to walk, bike and use transit. The road is also under significant development pressure in both communities.

Two public meetings invite input on the recommendations, one at 6 p.m. on June 20 in Scarborough at the Wentworth School and the second at 6 p.m. on June 27 at Saco City Hall. The public can also go to www.sacomaine.org/Route1 or www.scarboroughmaine.org/departments/planning-codes/planning to see the draft report and make comments.

In Saco, the plan recommends installing a hybrid traffic signal at the Route 1 crosswalk by Thornton Academy. This type of signal would stop traffic much more effectively, making the crossing much safer for pedestrians, many of whom are students. And where Route 1 carries less traffic at the section north of Ross Road, the plan recommends the roadway be converted to three lanes, which would provide space to add sidewalks and shoulders for bicyclists.

In Scarborough, the plan recommends creating a “Gateway” intersection at Hillcrest Avenue to improve safety and help slow vehicles entering town from the Turnpike connector. Through the Oak Hill area, the plan provides guidance for connecting area businesses to surrounding neighborhoods as well as making the corridor a more inviting place that is unique to the Scarborough community.

The plan includes more than 100 other recommendations. These include identifying specific locations where traffic signal or intersection layout changes would improve safety and traffic flow, adding bicycle lanes and paths, creating sidewalk expansions and upgrades such as better crossings and pedestrian refuges, enhancing streetscape aesthetics, improving bus stop safety and visibility, and streamlining the number of driveways along Route 1.

The recommendations are guidelines, aimed at helping direct future public and private investments to improve the travel experience through the Route 1 corridor for all users.