TOPSHAM

The Lower Village Development Committee will review a study tonight of possible solutions to traffic flow and pedestrian safety issues raised by residents and businesses in the Lower Village.

Some of the issues were identified in the 2011 Lower Village Waterfront Access Study, which recommended the town continue to address traffic issues. The new traffic study looks at the intersection of Main and Elm streets and pedestrian and traffic improvements along Main Street at Green and Winter streets.

Economic and Community Development Director John Shattuck said there are issues with cars trying to exit Bowdoin Mill and other businesses that cut through the narrow Green Street neighborhood to change directions. Any vehicle trying to turn left along Main Street can cause traffic to pile up, he said.

The committee looked at installing a traffic light on Main Street by Summer Street, but Shattuck said the road isn’t wide enough.

Consultants are suggesting a single-lane roundabout at Main and Green streets, Shattuck said, that would allow vehicles to change direction without using Green Street; then Green Street could become one-way and have a sidewalk as part of a trail system the committee is considering in the area.

The committee also has looked at installing traffic lights.

Shattuck emphasized the traffic study is preliminary, intended to help the town address traffic and pedestrian issues as studies opportunities for waterfront access.

The meeting is 6:30 tonight at the municipal building, 100 Main St.

Traffic study

WHAT: Lower Village Development Committee traffic
study
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. today
WHERE: Topsham minicipal
building, 100 Main St.