Wiscasset traffic signals going live March 31

Fri, 03/27/2020 - 10:30am

The two new traffic signals in downtown Wiscasset will be going live on Tuesday, March 31. These signals are at the intersection of Main (Route 1) and Middle streets and at the intersection of Main (Route 1) and Water streets.

Maine Department of Transportation tested these signals in October and February. Once they go live at 9 a.m. Tuesday, they will remain active year-round. These signals feature smart technology that allows them to adapt with the flow of traffic and communicate with MDOT's Transportation Management Center (TMC) in Augusta.

This signal work represents one of the final phases of our downtown Wiscasset work. We anticipate the contractor will start back up in mid-April. Remaining work involves paving the southern end of Water Street from Main Street (Route 1) to the new parking lot. There is also some overall project cleanup to do. The entire downtown project should be finished in mid-June.

Drivers and pedestrians should remain alert as they pass through downtown Wiscasset and get used to the new flow of traffic, available parking, and highway signage. The two new signals, along with the light at Route 27, are set up to remain green for Main Street (Route 1) traffic unless someone pushes the pedestrian crossing button or side street traffic on Water Street, Middle Street, or Route 27 triggers the signal sensors. Pedestrians need to use crosswalks and wait for pedestrian signals to safely cross the streets.

MDOT continues to appreciate the public's patience and understanding as we near the end of this important work.