Topsham schedules public hearing on proposed ATV access route to link town trail network

Jenny Little, leader of the Thompson Trail Riders, asked the Topsham Select Board on July 16 to support a state-recognized ATV/ATB connection of about 0.8 miles along Route 201 from Eagles Way to the closed I‑295 temporary on‑ramp.

"We would like to establish a trail connection along approximately 0.8 miles, to be exact, of Route 201, leaving the Eagles Way," Little said, describing the plan to reconnect eastern and western sections of the town's trail network and to promote recreation and local business visitation. She told the board the group has written authorization from Central Maine Power for a segment of the route and permission from the school superintendent to use the Eagles Way entrance.

Little said the Thompson Trail Riders would accept responsibility for signage and operations and were willing to accept a one‑year probationary period tied to completion of a western trail section. "We are committed with all signage to accept all responsibility to create to add the signs and for safety and for operational requirements that are established and dictated by Maine DOT," she said.

Board members and staff pressed the group on safety concerns for a short stretch of roadway where the speed limit increases to 50 mph. Chairperson and public‑safety staff noted the importance of vetting vehicle speed and crossing points; Little said the club generally keeps ATV speeds below 30 mph and that the turning point on the proposed route is before the higher‑speed section. The club’s vice president was identified during the discussion as available to answer technical questions about routing and safety.

Public Works Director Mac Hunter and police and fire chiefs will be able to review safety and operational details before the hearing. The Select Board voted unanimously to set a public hearing on Aug. 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to take public input and review the Maine DOT process for establishing the connection.

The hearing will give residents and abutters a chance to raise safety, routing or parking concerns and allow staff to present any recommended mitigations before the board considers formal designation.