Boothbay okays Route 27 detour allowing two-way traffic
This is a digital image of the proposed Route 27 detour which allows for two-way traffic near Boothbay Common while construction continues on the roundabout. Courtesy photo
This is a digital image of the proposed Route 27 detour which allows for two-way traffic near Boothbay Common while construction continues on the roundabout. Courtesy photo
The long traffic delays near the Boothbay Common will soon be coming to an end. The Boothbay selectmen approved a proposal creating a detour by using a temporary paved section of Common Drive connecting to Route 27.
The proposal was made by Sargent Construction Supervisor Adam Tenan in an attempt to finish the project sooner. Tenan told selectmen during the Sept. 13 board meeting the proposal could shave two to three weeks off the project. By creating a Common Drive detour, it would replace the current one-way traffic with two lanes. Tenan reported the detour construction could be operational beginning next week. The detour allows Sargent to concentrate more attention on constructing the roundabout by rerouting the current one-way traffic away from the project.
The selectmen also approved a second proposal. They authorized Sargent to work on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contract negotiations between Boothbay and Sargent, of Stillwater, prohibits Saturday work unless the selectmen allow it. Tenan indicated his request for Sept. 16 only, but he may seek additional Saturdays.
“Right now, it’s just this Saturday, but we’d like to have the option to work more,” he said.
Selectman Steve Lewis likes the weekend respites from the ongoing construction project, but he is open to approving more Saturdays.
“I like the break fine, but the quicker this gets done, then it’s better for everybody,” he said.
The Boothbay Public Works Department will be doing some paving of its own. Town Manager Dan Bryer reported all culvert and ditching work on Back River Road was finished and the town crew would begin prepping Back River and Industrial Park roads for paving.
In other action, the board approved having an informational open house to update residents on the Route 27 Improvement Plan. Selectmen will host the public during an informal gathering in October. The open house will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11 which is one hour prior to their board meeting. The selectmen will meet next at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27 in the municipal conference room.
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