Prepare for possible traffic snarl-ups starting Mon., May 2, as construction crews are set to begin excavation on Rts. 1 and 218 in Wiscasset in order to replace the aging water main and storm drain infrastructure. Most of the work resulting in lane closures will be performed at night.
On Monday, crews will begin excavations on portions of Rt. 1 between the Sheepscot River and Pleasant Street.
During the day, two lanes of traffic will remain open for almost the entire duration of the construction period, with brief closures at night for areas where the water and storm pipes cross the road. The Wiscasset Police Dept. and certified flaggers will assist in traffic management during the construction on Rt. 1.
Construction on Rt. 1 is scheduled to be completed by mid-June, at which time, crews will focus on replacing the water main and storm drains on Rt. 218 (Federal Street) between Main and Morton streets.
Work on Federal Street will be completed during the day. Due to the narrow nature of the road, flaggers will regulate one-way, alternating traffic on Rt. 218.
Harry C. Crooker & Sons, Inc., of Topsham is the contractor for the $1.6 million project overseen by Tata and Howard of Portland, a water and wastewater consulting firm.
The town of Wiscasset is overseeing this locally-administered project.
Wiscasset needed to replace its aging water mains to address water quality issues and improve water flow and water pressure. In order to minimize traffic disruptions, Maine Dept. of Transportation opted to replace the deteriorating storm drainage system while the water main was replaced.
This allowed both projects to occur simultaneously, eliminating the need to excavate the road again in the near future.
