FARMINGTON — The stairs connecting Main and Front streets are open, connecting the two streets for pedestrians.

Franklin Savings Bank built the staircase as well as a 14-spot public parking area in partnership with the town. The concrete stairs are heated as needed to prevent snow and ice buildup, which will make them safer in the winter.

“We’re very excited to open the stairs. People have been so eager to use them that it’s been difficult to keep them away until they were finished,” Franklin Savings Bank Chief Financial Officer Tim Thompson said. He oversaw the project. “They are now open and we invite everyone to try them out.”

The stairs provide a preferable alternative to people climbing the bank and a convenience to students at the University of Maine at Farmington in accessing the athletic field, as well as Front Street businesses, customers and residents.

“It’s a great addition to the entire downtown to be able to connect the two streets for pedestrians. It’s going to be a real plus,” Front Street business owner John Moore said. “It’s another example of Franklin Savings Bank understanding the needs of business.”

The 14 parking spaces at the foot of the stairs are open for public use 7 a.m. to midnight. Overnight parking is not allowed. Similarly, the other Bank and Western Mountain Financial Services parking spots on the west side of Front Street are also available for public parking 6 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to midnight weekends, when the bank is not open. Those do not allow overnight parking either.

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