The Dept. of Transportation began widening a section of Rt. 1 in Wiscasset April 29. The work involves widening Rt. 1 near the Rt. 1 and Gardiner Road/Rt. 27 intersection so as to add a right hand turning lane for southbound traffic.
The project includes a change in the elevation of Washington Street and paving between Lee Street and the Davey Bridge.
In order to widen Rt. 1, the excavator will dig up a portion of a lawn as well as grind the shoulder and replace it with pavement suitable to hold truck traffic. According to DOT engineer John Wood, Rt. 1 traffic should continue to flow smoothly during construction as two lanes will remain open for traffic, designated with cones.
Much of the work will be done overnights, Sundays through Thursdays 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., continuing through mid-June.
When the DOT met with the public to discuss the project, they were asked to begin work later in the evening, at 8 p.m. instead of 6 p.m., said Wood. Also, in order not to disturb weekend traffic the crew won’t be working Friday or Saturday.
The cost of the .6 mile project is approximately $700,000, Wood said.
