To the Editor:
I suppose living in Nobleboro might not qualify my right to comment; but it seems to me, as a user of US 1, my rights are just as important as the next driver’s.
For years, I have followed the discussions concerning the bypass proposals to cure the traffic congestion of Wiscasset, and yet, no one seems to have given any thought to what I think is the most simplistic and effective answer to the problem. Rather than spend millions of dollars trying to bypass the Village of Wiscasset, why not deal directly with the cause of the problem, i.e. the pedestrian shoppers?
For less than 25 percent of the cost of the cheapest bypass proposals, I suggest that Wiscasset concentrate on providing alternate access for the pedestrians in the form of two or three underpasses. For the handicapped, one would require ramps or an elevator, but for the healthy walkers, stairs would suffice.
I do not know of the topographical complexities of this proposal, but it seems to me that it bears serious consideration as a cost effective and pedestrian effective solution.
Bridge overpasses would be unsightly for the Prettiest Village in Maine, but two or three underpasses would be out of sight, and completely effective. This would be enforced, of course by ticketing any pedestrians tempted to cross Route 1 on the surface, and by removing the requirement that vehicular traffic must stop for pedestrians.
I submit this for comments and discussion.
Thomas Wriggins III, Nobleboro
