Transportation and infrastructure

HOME > DEPARTMENTS > CITY PLANNER

Transportation and infrastructure

Exit 5 Maine Turnpike HIGHWAYS:
Saco is strategically located between Portland and Portsmouth, NH at exit 5 of the Maine Turnpike (Interstate 95), along U.S. Route 1 The area is serviced by a variety of freight handlers including: Coles Express, Bisson and Roadway. The public Shuttlebus provides daily service to and from Portland and local routes throughout Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach.

RAIL:
For freight rail, Southern Maine is serviced by Guilford Transportation Industries. The Saco Industrial park offers public loading facilities. Many lots in Saco Industrial Park are served by rail. Amtrak's Downeaster train provides daily passenger service between Boston and Portland with stops in Saco at our platform on Saco Island. More information about this service can by found by following this link.

AIR:
Portland Jetport is only 15 miles north of Saco. A full service airport, it is served by five major carriers; Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines and U.S. Air, which provide direct access to markets throughout the U.S. and Canada, while small airlines provide regional service to Maine and New England. Air freight service is available through Airborne Express, Federal Express and U.P.S. Boston's Logan Airport is located 85 miles south and is within an easy 1.5-hour drive.

WATER:
The port of Portland is approximately 15 miles north of Biddeford Saco. This landlocked harbor, just 3 miles from open ocean, is an ice-free, natural deep water port which has a controlling depth of 45 feet MLW in the main channel and 35 feet MLW depth in the inner harbor. Major truck and international cargo is shipped in and out of the harbor, utilizing containerized service by Hapog Lloyd Lines. The Saco River has limited access by private facilities with a MLW depth of 8 feet to 10 feet during high tide.

WATER:
The source of the community's water is the central natural resource of the community, the Saco River. Biddeford Saco Water Company is able to provide among the lowest rates in the state.

SEWAGE:
Secondary treatment is provided with easy access to all industrial locations or sites. Capacity is sufficient for even large developments.

ELECTRICITY:
Central Maine Power Company has programs available for new businesses locating to the state. For information, call 1-800-750-4000.

NATURAL GAS:
Saco is serviced by Northern Utilities. Lines are can be extended to reach new sites or existing facilities as needed. For rates, call 1-800-924-8002.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS:
Verizon is the regional service provider. The main communication lines through the Biddeford Saco area are fiber optic with a digital host switch for the area. ISDN and frame relay services are available. Special contracts for high usage customers are available and fiber optics can be extended to high capacity customers. For information, call 761-1200.