Traffic is backed up along Route 1 in Nobleboro for a motorcycle accident the afternoon of Thursday, May 18.
A motorcyclist sustained serious injuries after crossing the centerline of Route 1 and striking a large commercial truck the afternoon of Thursday, May 18.
Alton Johnson, 61, of Warren, was driving a 2006 Harley-Davidson north on Route 1, according to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Rand Maker. David Gallagher, 41, of Damariscotta, was driving a 2017 Kenworth truck south. Lincoln County owns the truck, which it uses in its recycling operation.
As Johnson entered a slight curve in the roadway, the motorcycle crossed the centerline and struck the truck, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. The accident was between Center Street and Winslow Hill Road.
The Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service transported Johnson to LincolnHealth’s Miles Campus in Damariscotta, according to the press release. A LifeFlight helicopter then flew him to Maine Medical Center in Portland. He has a serious leg injury and internal injuries, but they “do not appear to be life-threatening at this time.”
Gallagher was treated and released at Miles.
Deputies have not been able to interview Johnson to determine why he crossed the centerline. They hope to do so in the next several weeks depending on his medical condition.
According to the sheriff’s office, neither alcohol nor drugs appear to have been factors in the collision, but due to the seriousness of the crash, deputies will attempt to obtain blood samples from both operators.
While the investigation will continue in an effort to determine the cause of the crash, criminal charges appear unlikely, according a a press release from the sheriff’s office.
A Sagadahoc County sheriff’s deputy is reconstructing the crash. Maine State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will examine the truck in accordance with state law.
The Lincoln County Communications Center dispatched emergency responders at 12:43 p.m.
The accident effectively shut down Route 1 for more than an hour. One lane was opened to traffic shortly before 2 p.m. Traffic was expected to return to normal around 3:30 p.m.
A motorcycle crossed the centerline of Route 1 and struck this Kenworth truck the afternoon of Thursday, May 18. (Alexander Violo photo)
The Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc County sheriff’s offices; Maine State Police; the Damariscotta, Nobleboro, and Waldoboro fire departments; and the Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service and Waldoboro Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene.
The Lincoln County News will update this post.
Deputies investigate the scene of an accident on Route 1 in Nobleboro. (Alexander Violo photo)
