I would like to reply to the article that appeared in the July 22 issue of the Gorham-Westbrook Gazette relating to the bridge closing on Stroudwater. Since I was not aware until recently, I did not have a chance to voice my opinion to the Westbrook Councilors, of which I will now. I think it is insane for the city of Westbrook to allow this complete closure of a major route in and out of the city to happen. Think of the economic impact it will have, think of the time it will take commuters to get in and out of Westbrook, think of the huge inconvenience to the citizens of Westbrook and beyond.

Now my major point and reference to. In this article, MTA spokesman Pelletier says the MTA decided to wait until commuters had optional routes, the Jetport connector and the Rand Road as two such options. First, just how does the Jetport connector assist and help the flow of traffic? I think this is “fishing” on Mr. Pelletier’s part. Second, lets consider the Rand Road connector. Using the same exit points, Stroudwater and Westbrook Arterial, if one were to commute to Portland via Stroudwater with a light at the bridge, the commuter would be traveling four miles to Congress Street/Stevens Ave with ONLY three traffic lights. Now, since this Rand Road connector will help out so much, consider this. From the same point leaving Westbrook to the same point arriving in Portland there are ELEVEN traffic lights AND with a greater distance to travel. Again, Mr. Pelletier has gone “fishing.” Sure commuters can use Capisic Street as a “shortcut,” but don’t you think Portland and the residents of that area will actually let this increased traffic to travel this neighborhood?

So what if the new bridge takes 18 months, so what if the cost is $400,000 more, so what if commuters will have to sit at a light. Think of it, ONE YEAR, maybe more closing a major route. Safety issues were also brought up. Just how many construction workers were hurt by motorists at the Brighton Avenue bridge? This is not an issue if proper care and safety steps are taken in constructing this bridge “in traffic.”

Tis easy to tell all there are two new connectors that will help. But it takes more brains to explain just how it WILL help. Why wasn’t this explained? Well, they can’t of course.

Howard Spear

Westbrook