letter to the editor

Signage and lights galore

Tue, 10/25/2016 - 9:45am

Dear Editor:

To the voters in Boothbay — an important aspect of the proposed roundabout that voters may wish to consider is the state uniform code defining signage and lighting requirements for state roads.

At the Blue Hill roundabout, suggested as a model for the one here, the roundabout required an additional thirty-two (32) warning, directional and safety-oriented signs and sixteen (16) streetlights. There are eight signs at each entrance to the roundabout (Keep Right, Yield, One Way, Pedestrian Crossing, directional arrows, etc.) and four streetlights on each of the four quarters.

The approaches to the Blue Hill roundabout are straightaways and the roundabout is visible from a good distance, at least a hundred yards. That will not be the case here, and thus even more warning signs (Roundabout Ahead) could be required.

The promotional videos and material as seen on lawn signs and in the advertisements in The Register reflect very few of these items, and could even be said to downplay them.

I am not eligible to vote on this issue and am generally in favor of roundabouts, but the dramatic increase in signs and streetlights at The Common and its approaches may be factors for voters to consider when making a final and irrevocable decision.

Good luck.

David Tew

West Boothbay Harbor