WISCASSET, Maine — If you're driving mid-coast Route One, be ready for traffic to slow down through Wiscasset.
The town’s main street, which is a heavily-traveled part of Route One, is being torn apart for a still-controversial project by the Maine DOT. The state and townspeople have been debating the project for more than three years, but now construction has finally started.
"It’s going well," says Ernie Martin, the project manager.
The work is being done at night, and right now, the focus is on rebuilding the roadway through the middle of Wiscasset’s small downtown business district. That work is supposed to be done before Memorial Day, with a smooth base layer of pavement ready for tourist traffic.
After the roadway is complete, Martin says work will shift to building the wide, brick sidewalks. The sidewalks will eliminate all storefront parking on Route One.
That part of the plan has been responsible for the ongoing controversy.
A number of business owners have said the loss of parking threatens to keep customers away. Erika Soule of the store called "Rock, Paper, Scissors" says she still disliked the plan, but that businesses and the DOT need to take steps to make it work.
"I think everybody needs to be on the same page," Soule said. But he admitted the long debate makes that a challenge.
"And its hard because I’m not a fan of this project. We have people who are. We have people very positive about what this will do for the town -- I don’t share that thought."
Soule said they need lots of signs and promotional material to show people where to park and remind them the businesses are open.
But some are still enthusiastic about the change and hope others will come to share that belief.
"It's going really well," says Susan Robson. "Despite the mess (construction), we’re thinking positive. People are finding us,. It is impacting on Main Street, but we’re trying to stay positive."
As for the continuing unhappiness with the project, Robson said people are starting to look forward.
The MDOT says it's trying to work closely with businesses to solve problems, including directing drivers to new, off street parking areas.
Ernie Martin says the project should be complete this fall and added that he thinks in the end, it will be good for Wiscasset.