Woolwich officials say they have been unable to reach consensus with state engineers over traffic changes planned to facilitate replacement of the Station 46 Bridge. The Route 1 bridge, just north of Taste of Maine Restaurant, will be replaced over the next two years.

The selectboard has met with Maine Department of Transportation officials three times over the last several months expressing concerns about planned alterations on George Wright Road and a traffic signal at the intersection of Route 1 and Nequasset Road.

Selectboard Chairman David King Sr. hopes the news media will take notice. “We’ve made it very clear to (MDOT) what our concerns are. They’re not listening so we’re taking our case to the court of public opinion.” Given the imminent start of the multi-million dollar project, King added the board and road commissioner couldn’t stress enough the urgency of the matter.

Monday night’s meeting started with the board re-electing King chairman. Jason Shaw was picked as vice chairman. The board observed a moment of silence for longtime resident Sylvia Carlton, who died recently. It was noted Carlton served 14 years on the board. Selectman Dale Chadbourne suggested they dedicate this year’s annual town report to Carlton.

The board will participate in a remote “Freedom of Information Act” training session offered through Maine Municipal Association. King said this was required of all newly elected or re-elected town officials. Janine Lipfert was appointed to the town’s Communications Committee. The board discussed possibly changing selectmen’s regular meeting night from Monday to Wednesday. King said it would eliminate the problem of moving meetings to Tuesday to accommodate Monday holidays. The board’s next meeting is Tuesday, Jan 18 since the town office will be closed Jan. 17 for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

The town office reminded residents the next curbside pick-up days for recyclables will be Jan. 10 and 24.