In what is being billed as an experimental measure by the town and DOT, the Wiscasset Police Dept. will begin directing traffic in the downtown area July 10.
“Basically the goal is to regulate the flow of pedestrian traffic,’ said Wiscasset Police Sgt. Kathy Williams. “Hopefully this will keep things fluid and moving during the summer.”
The town first considered the proposal at a May 17 Board of Selectmen meeting after a presentation from DOT representative Gerry Audibert. During the meeting, Audibert said the proposal was not meant as an alternative to the recently shelved Rt. 1 bypass.
The original proposal was amended from four to six weeks at the behest of former selectman Bob Blagden. The Board unanimously approved the plan at a June 7 meeting.
Williams said a uniformed officer would be placed on Water and Middle Streets beginning July 10. The shifts will run from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. everyday for a period of six weeks ending on August 21.
During the six weeks, Audibert said the DOT would gather data to study the effectiveness of police managed traffic flow. In addition, the DOT will participate in bi-weekly meetings with the town to discuss the progress of the plan.
The town has previously used traffic control officers to mixed results. In previous comments, former Wiscasset Police Lt. John Allen said officers had been yelled at and occasionally spit on during patrol. Selectman David Nichols had urged any traffic officer have arresting power to thwart unruly motorists or pedestrians.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $13,860 with the DOT agreeing to pay $6930. The remainder will be paid by the town and through a private donation.
“We will use whomever is available,” said Williams in reference to staffing for the project. “I’ve reached out to other towns for interested officers. Hopefully this gives us an idea of what can be done.”
The DOT also offers Wiscasset Traveler Information via its website www.mainedot.gov/wtis. This website offers real time images of traffic at the intersection of Rt. 1 and 27 in Edgecomb, as well as the intersection of Rt. 1 and Birch Point Road in Wiscasset, located one mile south of Rt. 27.
Additionally, a variable message sign on I-295 northbound in Freeport flashes notices when there are major traffic delays on Rt. 1 in Wiscasset.
For statewide travel information, motorists can use 5-1-1 by phone or www.511maine.gov to stay up to date on current travel conditions and determine the best time or route for their trip.
