Woolwich selectmen recently met with three Maine Department of Transportation representatives to discuss what steps might be taken to improve traffic safety on the Route One corridor. Mike Hori, a MaineDOT regional planner, said the state had recently completed its data collection effort that included monitoring highway traffic flow. After analyzing the information, the findings will be shared with selectmen, he added.

“It is difficult to provide a timeline for each stage of the process, but we will do our best to keep you informed as the study moves forward,” wrote Hori in an Aug. 27 email to the selectboard. “I was glad to gain some clarity on the pinch points along Route 1 and to hear that some of the locations in need of lighting improvements have already started to be addressed.”

David King Sr., selectboard chairman, called it a “productive” meeting. “We made them aware of our concerns. Now we’ve got to wait and see what they come up with,” he told Wiscasset Newspaper.

Selectman Jason Shaw said along with the selectboard, EMS Director Danny Evarts, Road Commissioner Jack Shaw and Chief Deputy Jason Warlick of Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department attended the meeting. He said he was encouraged by the state’s willingness to help make Route One safer for motorists.

Selectman Allison Hepler said that during the discussion MaineDOT addressed concerns from residents about cameras that had been placed at intersections along the highway to monitor traffic. “The cameras are now gone. I don't really expect any analysis until next year. I'm interested in short-term solutions as well as long-term improvements,” she wrote in an email to the newspaper.

Selectmen asked for the traffic study in response to serious motor vehicle accidents occurring on the two-lane highway that carries motorists from the Station 42 bridge to the Wiscasset line just past Montsweag Restaurant. Last summer, when the highway was repaved, selectmen insisted a rumble strip be returned to the center-line and MaineDOT did so. Another area of concern is the Route One junction with Mountain Road, by Montsweag Flea Market.

In the selectboard's Sept. 2 bi-weekly meeting, King announced the board planned to set the 2026 tax commitment Sept 16.

Woolwich Historical Society will recognize its volunteers at its 22nd annual dinner and silent auction on Saturday, Oct. 17 in the banquet room on the second floor of Montsweag Restaurant. The gathering begins at 5 p.m. with a social hour followed by a buffet dinner, auction and concluding with a recognition of volunteers. Space is limited, RSVP no later than Friday, Oct. 9. To buy dinner tickets, contact jshawandsons@comcast.net or call 207-443-3932.