Replacement of an aging culvert at Chops Creek could shut down a portion of Route 128 for up to 45 days, although Woolwich has a while to prepare. A Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) official said the work won’t start until the summer of 2027. 

Brian Nichols, MaineDOT project manager overseeing the estimated $1.5 to $1.7 million project, provided a power point presentation to selectmen, first responders and law enforcement Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 3. In response to concerns about the road closure, Nichols promised the state would do all it could to fast track construction. Route 128, also known as River Road because it follows the course of the Kennebec River, runs from Dresden southward through Woolwich linking up with Route 127.

The troubled culvert is at Chops Creek between North Woolwich Methodist Church and Chops Point Road. Nichols said the work would cause about a 20-minute detour for residents closest to the project. The work involves removal of an aging culvert that carries the tidal stream under the road with a much larger “box culvert.” He said due to the expense, MaineDOT is opting to detour traffic rather than build a temporary bridge like they did during the Station 46 project. As things stand, he said the job would start in June and be completed by mid-August. Funding was secured by a federal grant.

Woolwich first responders and Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel A. Merry worried a lengthy road closure would impact emergency response times. Nichols said temporary signage would be posted advising motorist of the detour in advance, and directing them to routes designated for use during the detour. Nichols said more information will be provided at a public hearing as the project’s starting date approaches.

Bath Fire Chief Lawrence "Buddy" Renaud and members of Bath Fire & Rescue were on hand at the start of the regular meeting to present a certificate of merit to Woolwich first responder Deputy Chief Brandon Bailey. Bailey was recognized for assisting in the rescue of Bath firefighter Capt. Rick Davis at the scene of a recent Wiscasset fire. Bath and Woolwich fire departments were assisting Wiscasset firefighters at the fire which destroyed the home of 94-year-old Pearl Skillin Aug. 11. Chief Renaud said while fighting the fire Davis fell through the burning floor and into the basement. Deputy Chief Bailey along with Wiscasset fireman Chris Cossette assisted in rescuing him. Renaud praised Davis for his quick thinking and courage in coming to Capt. Davis’s assistance.  

Selectboard Chairman David King Sr. noted the traffic bottleneck on Nequasset Road has returned following the reopening of Woolwich Central School. School officials were made aware of the problem over the summer and promised to address this. King explained too many parents are dropping off and picking up their children at the start and end of the school day rather than have them ride the school buses. The traffic issue is a concern to first responders because Nequasset Road is a major thoroughfare. The selectboard is giving school officials time to address the issue and wants to revisit this with WCS Principal Jason Libby in October.

King said the selectboard plans to set the tax rate Sept. 17 determining how much residents owe for their 2025 property taxes. King said municipal spending for operation of the town office and emergency services accounts for about 30% of property taxes; the cost for the operation of the school and county government accounts for the rest. 

Fire Chief Shaun Merrill told selectmen the fire danger remains very high due to the continued dry weather. During the last week of August, Woolwich firefighters helped by other area first responders responded to an afternoon woods fire at the north end of town. According to the fire department’s Facebook page the fire resulted from “illegal burning under High Fire Danger conditions and the Maine Forest Service is investigating.” Chief Merrill expressed his gratitude to the Maine Forest Service’s helicopter service for its help providing several water drops to help keep the fire in check.

The new Station 46 bridge just north of Taste of Maine Restaurant on Route One may soon be getting a new name, Woolwich Veterans Memorial Bridge. Following the selectboard’s unanimous approval, Selectman Allison Hepler will submit a legislative bill recommending the new name, which was suggested to her by a resident.

August was another busy month for Woolwich Ambulance Department. Director Danny Evarts said they responded to 40 calls, seeing 41 patients. There were 34 transports and MC1 was called for assistance 12 times. Bath and Wiscasset ambulance departments were called twice. “We were called for mutual aid to Dresden three times, and one time to both Wiscasset and Richmond,” said Evarts.  The ambulance department will be holding a diabetic training session Sept. 17.