Members of the Wiscasset and Edgecomb Boards of Selectmen met with representatives of the Maine DOT Dec. 12 to develop strategies for reducing traffic volume on Rt. 1. While medium and long-term strategies were considered, DOT’s chief objective was to develop short term, low cost plans to be implemented next summer.
The Wiscasset Board suggested nine options, only two of which were short term. The majority of the endorsed options seek to reduce the amount of traffic flowing into Wiscasset.
“The theme is to get traffic out of there,” Wiscasset Town Manager Laurie Smith said.
The two short term options endorsed called for the installation of more off-street parking for guests and alternate route signs on I-95 and I-295. Placing a center island in downtown Wiscasset to deter jaywalkers was also considered.
The Edgecomb Board agreed with the Wiscasset endorsed options.
“Anything that reduces traffic helps our side of the bridge too,” Edgecomb Selectman Stuart Smith said.
The Edgecomb Board also requested the DOT look into improving safety around the Eddy Road and Rt. 1 intersection by posting cautionary signage.
Edgecomb Selectman Jessica Chubbuck said the rapid speed increase on the Wiscasset Bridge caused many accidents at the intersection.
Both Boards of Selectmen strongly approved the concept of introducing an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), or Traveler Information System to better inform drivers of traffic conditions along Rt. 1.
An ITS uses electronics, telecommunications, and information technology to improve safety and travel times, mostly on major roads.
DOT representative Gerry Audibert told the selectmen the plan was not feasible in the short term and would likely only be implemented by 2015.
Prior to the meeting, the DOT made a list of 38 potential short, medium, and long term plans to ease traffic in Wiscasset and Edgecomb. Each group of selectmen was asked to review the strategies and recommend to the DOT which ones would be welcomed by both towns.
The 38 plans ranged from building an underpass or overpass for pedestrian traffic to posting traffic directors at major intersections. Each strategy was analyzed for its potential impact on the historic character of downtown Wiscasset, its cost to benefit ratio, its acceptability to locals, and its impact on traffic safety.
Audibert said that the best option would be to combine several strategies. “I think it’s a package of things, not just doing one or two things separately,” he said.
The DOT has $100,000 to spend on Rt. 1 traffic solutions in 2012.
Many of the short-term solutions were met with skepticism by the Wiscasset selectmen. The short-term plans, it was thought, focused more on better management of foot and vehicle traffic in Wiscasset rather than reducing the volume of traffic going through the town.
“We can make a lot of little things to make us feel good, but what’s the point if the data doesn’t show it?” Wiscasset Town Manager Laurie Smith said.
Smith referred to the introduction of traffic controllers in downtown Wiscasset this past summer. While many felt that they helped improve traffic, DOT data showed that they had minimal impact.
At the meeting’s conclusion, Audibert said the DOT would review the two towns’ suggestions and develop detailed plans for their implementation. Another joint meeting will be held in a few months to discuss the findings.