US Federal Highway Administration – Augusta, ME

Federal Highway Administration – Maine Division

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Maine Division is a key field office of the U.S. Department of Transportation, located in the Edmund S. Muskie Federal Building in downtown Augusta. This federal agency provides stewardship and oversight for the Federal-aid Highway Program in Maine, working in close partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) to ensure that the state’s roads, bridges, and tunnels are safe, efficient, and environmentally sound. The division is responsible for authorizing federal funds and ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations for transportation projects across the state.

Program Oversight and Technical Assistance

The Maine Division staff, consisting of engineers, planners, and specialists, guides state and local agencies through the complex process of developing transportation infrastructure. They provide technical assistance and approval at key stages of project development, from planning and environmental review to design and construction. Key program areas include highway safety improvement, bridge inspection standards, emergency relief for disaster-damaged roads, and the implementation of innovative construction technologies.

Civil Rights and Compliance

A critical function of the FHWA Maine Division is ensuring Civil Rights compliance in all federally funded transportation activities. This includes oversight of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The office works to ensure nondiscrimination and equitable access to transportation resources for all communities in Maine.

Visit and Access Information

The division office is located in Room 614 of the Muskie Federal Building at 40 Western Avenue. As a federal facility, security is strict; visitors must undergo airport-style security screening and present valid government-issued identification to enter. Electronic devices may be restricted. Public parking is generally not available in the federal lot; visitors should utilize metered street parking on Western Avenue or nearby public parking garages. The office operates on a slightly earlier schedule than many state agencies, opening at 7:30 AM.