Maine Department of Transportation’s reply, as predicted, explained well why the traffic lights I like so much at Woolwich’s Route 1-Nequasset Road intersection are temporary. MDOT Bridge Program Senior Project Manager Devan Eaton writes:

“This intersection doesn’t warrant a permanent signal as the traffic volume on Nequasset Road isn’t enough to justify a signal on its own, but when the traffic from the southern end of (George Wright Road) is added to it, it gets closer to meeting signal warrants, so it was added for the current two to three years of construction for the bridge replacement projects. These projects are currently calling for the southern end of (George Wright) to be reopened by the end of construction, so the Nequasset Road intersection again won’t meet signal warrants, and the signal will be removed.

“MaineDOT is not opposed to this intersection being permanently signalized, but it would require the southern end of (George Wright) be permanently closed, for the signal on Route 1 to be warranted. Nequasset Road and (George Wright) are both townways, meaning their maintenance and rights controlled by ... Woolwich. If a permanent signal project were to be created, the town would have to agree to close the southern end of (George Wright) as part it. MaineDOT has/will continue coordinating with the town ... about ... potential options ...and what sort of funding opportunities may be available to assist ...

“The US Route 1 and Nequasset Road intersection has already been analyzed by MaineDOT’s safety office, and a recommendation for what would need to be done to the intersection to install a permanent signal has been developed. The layout for the current temporary signal was based on this recommendation and is very similar, so not much additional work to the intersection would be required to adjust for a permanent signal. Nequasset Road has some sight distance concerns that would likely need to be addressed if it became the permanent southern exit for (George Wright) traffic, so that work would need to be coordinated with the town for a permanent signal project to move forward. MaineDOT’s main goal is to safely and efficiently complete the ... bridge construction projects ... and will continue to discuss the signal topic with the town ... throughout.”

Whatever local and state officials see fit to do or not do on this or anything else on the years-long bridge project, we wish them productive talks and good listening to one another. Our news contributor Phil Di Vece closely covers Woolwich and will, as always, keep readers up to date on all of it.