A Maine Department of Transportation project designed to solve traffic problems at the intersection of U.S. Route 1 and Route 27 in Edgecomb may create unintended consequences for motorists entering the federal highway from Englebrekt Road.

Edgecomb selectmen want more information about the addition of a Florida-T to the troubled intersection before another public hearing is held by MDOT explaining plans for the 2019 project. Selectmen voted 2-0 Oct. 23 to send a letter requesting more information about how the Florida-T would impact traffic for northbound motorists. The board wants the information prior to the next public hearing.

The construction project is still in the conceptual stage, but during an Oct. 10 public hearing, MDOT officials reported the funding already had been secured. The project is scheduled to begin in spring 2019 with completion by July. 

According to MDOT officials, the intersection is one of the most traveled and dangerous ones in the state. The department has proposed constructing a Florida-T, a protected lane for Route 27 motorists to merge with northbound traffic on U.S. Route 1. During the Oct. 10 public hearing, resident Heidi Wright had concerns about how the two lanes of northbound traffic would impact an already difficult merge for Englebrekt Road motorists. Wright described the experience of merging from Englebrekt Road to U.S. Route 1 as “white knuckled.”

MDOT officials didn’t have an answer. Senior Project Manager Ernie Martin indicated more information would be revealed at a future public hearing, but selectmen don’t want to wait.

“We are very concerned about challenges facing the Wright family with this project. It looks like this would double northbound traffic and we think a response is needed before another public hearing,” Selectman Mike Smith said.

In other action, selectmen said they want to meet with a county official to improve communication with the local fire department. Chief Roy Potter has complained for a couple years about problems with the county communications center. Town officials scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30 with Lincoln County Administrator Carrie Kipfer. Selectman Jack Sarmanian was expected to join Potter and Kipfer in the discussion.

Selectmen also want Potter to meet with code enforcement officer Stan Waltz about ongoing problems with 9-1-1 addressing at the Sheepscot Harbour Village Resort. Despite an updated Enhanced 9-1-1 Addressing plan, there are still problems with public safety officials locating specific resort locations. Selectmen want Waltz and Potter to eliminate confusing addresses which don’t comply with Enhanced 9-1-1 requirements within the community.

Selectmen will meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6 in the municipal building.