To the Editor:
The cancellation of the MaineDOT plans for a bypass around Wiscasset means that those who wanted the bypass, and those who opposed a bypass (anywhere), now need to work together to help reduce the traffic congestion. Realizing that the summer delays are not worth the dollar and human cost of building a bypass, they are still excessive, and must be reduced.
R.O.A.D. (Route One Alternative Decisions, www.wiscasset-road.org) asks everyone concerned to support the necessary changes to improve the flow of traffic through Wiscasset. This is an opportunity and a challenge, especially for those who wanted a bypass, to support making these improvements, because you realized there was a problem that warranted a very expensive solution. Now we need less expensive alternative solutions that are as effective as possible.
Although the data on the effectiveness of this summer’s traffic officers has not yet been evaluated, it’s clear that much remains that can be done, including implementing some of the suggestions that were tabled in the past, including improvements to the Rte. 1 and 27 interchanges on both sides of the river and a pedestrian bridge or tunnel.
As (DOT) Commissioner Bernhardt mentioned in his announcement, we can use GPS and 511 technology (with signage on I-295) to alert motorists in helping to reduce peak usage of Rt. 1 in Wiscasset.
Ways need to be found to develop additional off-Rt. 1 parking, such as the Railroad Ave. Improvement Study, which would create an intermodal transportation center and create additional parking west of Rt. 1, which would help business in the downtown area. With additional parking available, parallel parking along Rt. 1 could be reconsidered and by doing so, could keep the wide corridor through downtown open to maximize the traffic flow.
With the DOT’s commitment to help communities and reduce the summer traffic congestion, it’s time to look at what really causes the slowdown, and work together to minimize those causes and improve the flow of traffic through Wiscasset. A permanent representative working group should be established to continue this work with the DOT.
Morrison Bonpasse, Newcastle
Frank Risell, Wiscasset
Co-Chairs, R..O.A.D, Newcastle.
