As part of a $4.5 million slate of upgrades, a new security fence currently being erected around the Blaine House has raised eyebrows around Augusta in recent days.
The Maine’s governor’s mansion will be getting a new stone and metal fence similar to the one currently surrounding the State House across the street. This will replace the wooden picket fence that previously ran along the perimeter of the property.
Construction of the fence is now underway and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Funding for this project comes primarily through a $10 million bond approved by voters in 2024 “to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations.” Some money from the state’s General Fund is also reportedly going toward the Blaine House project.
In addition to the new fence, the Blaine House will also be getting a new electronic security system with updated lighting and cameras.
Some upgrades have already been made to the governor’s mansion, including an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible entrance in the back of the house, as well as an ADA-accessible path from Chamberlain Street to the back lawn.
The new Blaine House fence will run along Chamberlain, Capitol, and State Streets where the sidewalks are also being replaced.
According to public documents released during the bidding process for this project, the contractors were required to submit a traffic management plan that included an ADA-compliant route around the closed sidewalks.
Resources published in April of this year by the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) outline what pedestrians walking near the Blaine House can expect while the property and its surrounding sidewalks are under construction.
Any closed portions of the sidewalk should be blocked completely by a barrier that is detectable to those with visual disabilities. Such barriers may not be created using caution tape or traffic cones, but barrels may be used if they are placed side-by-side with a toe rail at the bottom should no other options be available.
“Adequate and safe” detours are required to be provided for pedestrians anywhere that sidewalks are blocked or closed during construction.
These alternate pedestrian pathways can be expected to “maintain a consistent width and smooth surface” so as to avoid creating tripping hazards and reduce hurdles to the use of wheelchairs and other mobility aids in the area.
There should also be advance notice of any closures or detours to help avoid the need for pedestrian backtracking.
Across the street from the Blaine House, work continues on a $7.2 million project at the State House that will likely be completed before the next regular legislative session begins in January.
Among the improvements being made on the property are a new security entrance for the Cross Building and a reworked security entrance for the State House.
