The Wiscasset and Edgecomb Boards of Selectmen met with officials of the Maine Department of Transportation on the Chewonki campus in Wiscasset Nov. 14 to develop plans for reducing congestion on Rt. 1. The meeting follows the DOT’s formal decision to end development of the long-discussed Wiscasset bypass last summer.
Announcing the cancellation of the Wiscasset Route 1 Corridor study Aug. 1, DOT Commissioner David Bernhardt cited the $100 million price tag for the proposed bypass.
The DOT requested the meeting to gather ideas from both town governments on how to proceed following the bypass’ cancellation and asked the selectmen to develop a common vision that could be translated into measurable goals and objectives.
“We’d like to hear your input before doing anything,” DOT representative Gerry Audibert said.
Though no specific plans were made, the selectmen compiled a list of criteria that would be considered when developing solutions to help reduce traffic volume around downtown Wiscasset.
“There are no bad ideas except a bypass,” Audibert said.
Selectmen agreed that any plan must have a positive impact on traffic volume and safety while maintaining Wiscasset’s historic value.
“As someone with kids, I would like the historic character of Wiscasset to stay intact for my kids and their kids,” Edgecomb Selectman Jessica Chubbuck said.
“Whatever is done should be in keeping with the character of a historic town,” said Wiscasset Selectman Pam Dunning.
Selectmen argued in favor of developing short-term plans that lead to concrete action rather than long-term solutions.
“We’ve been talking about this forever,” Chubbuck said. “We’re losing credibility.”
Edgecomb Selectman Stuart Smith criticized the DOT for not putting forward any ideas at the meeting. “I hope we’d see something tonight, “Smith said. “It all goes back to what the DOT hasn’t done… they take up time and put stuff off.”
Audibert assured the selectmen the state’s goal is to implement something soon as well. “We don’t have a large pot of money available, but we do have a small pot for next summer.” Audibert said.
According to an information packet provided by the DOT, short term, low-cost strategies would have a greater chance of being implemented by next year. High-cost, long term strategies would have to compete with other capital projects statewide. These projects could possibly not see funding until 2014 or 2015.
A list of feasible non-bypass strategies was included in the DOT information packet but the list was not discussed at the meeting. Thirty-eight potential plans were listed ranging from revising speed zones to building a pedestrian underpass.
Selectmen from both towns asked DOT representatives present at the meeting to come back with specific plans for the area. “It should not be an experiment, or a study, but a plan,” Chubbuck said.
The joint Wiscasset-Edgecomb panel will meet Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. in Chewonki to discuss specific alternatives to the bypass.
