An expensive new taxpayer-financed roundabout in Damariscotta was supposed to improve safety at a dangerous spot.
But the only thing going around now is a popular joke among locals: if you want something worse than what you started with hire a state traffic engineer.
Not to be derailed by a little bad humor, the state folks spun out their Sunday best on the outcome.
“The final touches are in on the new roundabout on Route 1 in Damariscotta!” the Maine Department of Transportation gleefully announced recently on its Facebook page.
MDOT officials said that “this Belvedere Road intersection was a high crash location.”
Was?
Locals on a regional Facebook page called “What’s New In Waldoboro” are all over themselves laughing at the new traffic rotary.
They say that the new setup has caused dozens of near fender benders and they posted a picture Wednesday of a truck rollover at the roundabout.
“The new $4 million roundabout is not off to a very good start,” said Kenny Ames, who posted the rollover picture.
Ames called the project a “ridiculous” waste.
“Money well spent,” joked Becca Lynn Robison.
“One thing after another in this spot,” said Cindy Straghan Sands.
Other motorists noted that the state never put in new 15 mph signs approaching the rotary so many drivers are apparently seeing the 45 mph signs before they get to it and…
Oops.
“I’d rather have the old intersection than this roundabout,” said local Jeremy Gourde. “This thing is dangerous; the curve regardless of what they claim is too sharp. People will be driving/launching over the center.”
No worries – just stick with the MDOT narrative and throw caution to the winds:
“The new intersection features improved sight lines designed to enhance safety: taller evergreens in the middle of the roundabout block distant oncoming traffic, while shorter plantings towards the outside allow for better line of sight, and will bloom seasonally.”
Somethin’s already bloomin’ – trouble.
