Early returns on a six-week plan to manage pedestrian and traffic flow in the Wiscasset downtown are “impressive,” according to the DOT’s Bureau of Transportation Systems Planning spokesman Gerry Audibert.
“I was impressed with how well the officers are handling the traffic and pedestrians alike after only four days,” Audibert wrote in a July 14 email.
As part of weekly monitoring, Audibert and Wiscasset Town Manager Laurie Smith observed the downtown traffic on July 13 for approximately a half hour.
Audibert said they witnessed frequent but short duration stops to allow pedestrians to cross and side street vehicles to enter Rt. 1.
A subsequent meeting with the Wiscasset Transportation Committee, which includes Selectmen Judith Colby and William Curtis, produced a number of suggestions including equipping the officers with whistles, waiting for more pedestrians to gather at the crosswalk before letting them cross, and improved communication between the two officers.
It was also noted that officers should try to make eye contact or otherwise acknowledge the presence of pedestrians, side street traffic, or parked vehicles that are attempting to leave so they don’t feel ignored. The committee further advised the officers to be more animated to ensure a high visibility factor.
“The comments are meant in a constructive way and are not critical of the officers’ performance,” wrote Audibert. “One major concern is making sure the officers receive adequate breaks on hot, humid days.”
A suggestion was also made to have the officer on Middle Street stationed on the south side as opposed to the north to better allow parked vehicles to exit. According to Audibert’s report, traffic currently fills the area making the maneuver difficult.
While uniformed traffic detail could be a long-term solution, Audibert has stressed the plan is not an alternative to the long planned but recently scrapped Wiscasset bypass.
“Regardless of the bypass situation, which is still up in the air, this could be a short or long term solution. If we do go with the bypass it’ll be at least 10 years in the making,” Audibert told the Wiscasset Board of Selectmen at a meeting May 17. “The question we are trying to answer is whether we can make a significant difference using this method. I’m not expecting a huge difference.”
The town, DOT, and a donation from Westport Island resident E. Davies Allan are funding the $13,860 price tag of the project.
“All in all the police are doing a good job and their performance is expected to improve naturally as they gain more experience and confidence,” wrote Audibert in the July 14 email.
The next meeting between Audibert and the committee is scheduled for July 27.
