Maine Department of Transportation has been working with Wiscasset to address the traffic issues on Route 1 since the collapse of the bypass plan in 2011.

After a road safety audit, months of surveys, pedestrian data gathering and analyses, MDOT has recommended funded projects that could help address traffic issues on Route 1 in Wiscasset.

MDOT Engineer Gary Audibert presented the projects to Wiscasset selectmen during a special selectmen’s meeting January 15.

Wiscasset Selectmen voted 5-0 in favor of MDOT moving forward with projects based on the audit last June in Wiscasset and Edgecomb on Route 1. See the sidebar for the list of projects.

Selectman Judy Colby questioned the traffic signal at Water Street, pointing out the traffic coming from the Davey’s Bridge would be stopping near the railroad tracks.

Audibert said signals would better control the traffic. The motorist would stop on the red light, and the pedestrians would only walk when directed. Currently, motorists are stopping every time a pedestrian steps into the crosswalk.

Audibert reminded the board all funded projects will include project scoping with town and public involvement before any of the work begins.

Selectman Ed Polewarczyk made the motion to support the recommendations, it was seconded by Colby and carried 5-0.

MDOT’s Work Plan is being developed with all statewide transportation priority needs being considered; and those needs are subject to available and project funding, according to Audibert.

“Given the level of uncertainly in both the federal and state funding, decisions have not yet been made as to what projects will be funded,” Audibert said. “The decisions will be made shortly and the Work Plan will be released within the next few weeks.”

Although the Work Plan has not been finalized, Audibert told selectmen he believes the sidewalk from Lee Street and the Bradford Road to the existing Village sidewalk will be done soon.

The June 2012 Road Safety Audit was conducted by 16 town officials and eight MDOT members.

Several areas (from the Woolwich town line through Route 1 in Wiscasset to Edgecomb) were identified as safety issues and areas where traffic flow could be improved.

During the summer months and into October, MDOT installed and tested new traffic sensors to obtain actual travel times along Route 1, and issued travel alerts of delays of 10 minutes or more.

In July 2012, MDOT, the town of Wiscasset and the Lincoln County Planning Commission entered into an agreement and selected a consultant to develop the Bath Road Master Plan along Route 1 from the Woolwich time line to the northerly intersection of Flood Avenue and Route 1.

The plan’s intend is to maximize growth while minimizing traffic impacts to Route 1, in keeping with Wiscasset’s Comprehensive Plan. The first of two public meetings is being anticipated next month, according to Audibert.

Charlotte Boynton can be reached at 207-446-4632 or cboynton@wiscassetnewspaper.com.