Topsham committee asks consultant to develop quick-build safety designs for four town locations

The Topsham Complete Streets Committee voted May 27 to ask consultant Jim to prepare detailed quick-build designs and cost estimates for four priority locations around town.

Consultant Jim described quick builds as "the opportunity to test changes in roadway design and geometry very inexpensively," explaining they use municipal-grade temporary materials such as flex posts, painted lanes and temporary median extensions to slow traffic and improve pedestrian comfort while permitting later adjustments or permanent construction.

Jim walked members through conceptual proposals on Main Street, including an extended temporary median and flex-post protection at the Monument Place crosswalk and a small gore and delineators near the municipal complex. He showed alternatives for the busy Maine and Elm intersection designed to reduce corner-cutting and slow turning movements.

Committee members raised operational concerns, including emergency-vehicle response and large-trailer access. Jim said those issues would be addressed during design review with public-safety officials and that low-profile or mountable elements can be used where necessary. He advised the committee that anything on state-owned roads (Main Street) will require MaineDOT review and approval.

After discussion about visibility, equity and the project's goals, the committee agreed to focus further design work on four locations: Main & Monument, Maine & Elm, Foreside Fields complex, and Mallet Drive. A member moved to send these four sites to Jim for fleshed-out designs and quantity/cost estimates; the motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: Jim will produce clearer concept drawings, a materials list and rough cost estimates and will advise how much consultant time and town staff assistance will be needed to operationalize the projects. The committee expects to present refined materials to the select board and to seek possible DOT material support or budget allocations before installation.