MDOT to air Route 1 traffic improvements
MDOT will discus improvements to both the north and south intersections of routes 1 and 144 and Old Bath Road. Shown here is the Birch Point Road intersection. PHIL DI VECE/Wiscasset Newspaper
MDOT will discus improvements to both the north and south intersections of routes 1 and 144 and Old Bath Road. Shown here is the Birch Point Road intersection. PHIL DI VECE/Wiscasset Newspaper
Maine Department of Transportation officials will review plans for Route 1 traffic improvements at Old Bath Road and Route 144 exits in Wiscasset at an informational hearing 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21 in the hearing room at the town office.
Last February, Wiscasset selectmen entered into two separate cooperative agreements with MDOT for proposed road improvements for both the north and south intersections of routes 1 and 144 and Old Bath Road.
According to the agreements, the town’s share for the construction costs will be just under $104,000. State and federal highway monies are paying the rest. The estimated cost, including engineering is $405,000.
Town Manager Marian Anderson told the Wiscasset Newspaper Wednesday the town’s share won’t impact property taxes, it will come from impact fees remaining from the Shaw’s project. The impact fees have been carried forward since 2010.
“The fund has a balance of $155,977,” she said. The money can only be used for Route 1 improvements.
MDOT wants to add turning lanes and street islands at both of the routes 1/144 intersections. One intersection is at Birch Point Road, the other is at the south end of town near Norm’s Used Cars.
A left turning lane for southbound traffic will be added at the Birch Point Road intersection and painted, traffic “channelization islands” constructed in both directions. MDOT estimates the cost at $200,000; the town’s share is $53,844.
MDOT’s planned improvements at the Route 144 (Old Ferry Road) intersection include adding turning lanes in both the north and southbound lanes and constructing channelization islands. The town’s share is $50,000.
Traffic officials will also offer details on the addition of a northbound left turning lane at the Route 1 and Old Bath Road intersection.
MDOT is seeking public input for the projects which are under the direction of Aurele Gorneau II, Project Manager. Gorneau was the project engineer in charge of the sidewalk and traffic light project by the Wiscasset municipal building at the junction of Main Street and Gardiner Road.
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