BIDDEFORD — Public input is wanted on a proposed project that would revamp the Biddeford’s gateway.

The Maine Department of Transportation is suggesting some changes in the downtown area just over the bridge from Saco Island.

The proposed plan would reconstruct the intersection of Main Street, Water Street, and the North Dam Mill Entrance to create a four-way intersection and install a new traffic signal. The proposed plan also includes a new traffic signal at the intersection of Main and Hill streets, and the replacement of existing pavement beginning at Alfred Street and extending easterly 0.28 of a mile to Hill Street.

Traffic in the downtown has long been a concern. A 2006 traffic study prepared for the city by Gorrill-Palmer Consulting Engineers Inc. stated that the intersection at Main Street, Hill Street and Water Street was one of two major intersections that control overall traffic flow in the downtown, with the other intersection being the intersection Main and Elm streets.

The study said that both these intersections are operating at an “F” level of service, the lowest ranking, during peak hours, causing congestion, traffic delays and overall inefficient circulation.

Residents can weigh in on the proposed project at public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Biddeford City Hall. Representatives of MDOT will be present at the meeting to listen to concerns and comments and answer any questions regarding the project.

“The department is particularly interested in learning local views relative to project consistency with local comprehensive plans, discovering local resources, and identifying local concerns and issues,” said MDOT officials. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and auxiliary aids will be provided with advance request.

Any questions regarding the project can be directed to Brian Keezer, project manager, Maine Department of Transportation, Multimodal Program, 24 Child St., 16 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0016. Keezer can also be contacted by calling 624-3612 or emailing Brian.Keezer@maine.gov.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 780-9015 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.