TOPSHAM
The town of Topsham will test a new traffic pattern for Lower Main Street on Monday.
Left turns from Main Street onto Winter Street will be prohibited. The last block of Winter Street approaching Main Street will be one-way for traffic.
The change will redirect left turns 250 feet north to the intersection of Main and Elm streets, where there is already a left turn lane and left turn signal.
The town hopes to reduce the recurring backups, especially during commuting hours, according to a press release from the town.
Currently, cars stopping on Main Street to take a left turn onto Winter Street “routinely cause backups in the northbound lane, because there is no turning lane at this location,” the release states. “The test is based on several traffic studies conducted recently in the Lower Village.”
The town also hopes to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Main Street at that location.
The test is scheduled to run until at least Sunday, Oct. 29. If selectmen find that the changes improve congestion and safety, the new traffic pattern may be adopted permanently.
The town is looking for public feedback via photo at (207) 373-5095 or emailing mainst@topshammaine.com.
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