PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Department of Transportation plan to enhance the safety of a busy Interstate 295 interchange in Portland is drawing objections from alternative transportation advocates.

The state says the Exit 7 interchange, where I-295 comes together with Franklin Arterial, has a high accident rate because of the way it is configured.

Project manager Ernie Martin told the Portland Press Herald that the $1.8 million project involves installing traffic lights where the northbound exit ramp merges with Franklin Arterial, and adding another southbound highway lane for vehicles getting off at Exit 7.

Advocacy groups say the project is being overbuilt and does not provide access to Back Cove for pedestrians and bicyclists.