TOPSHAM

The design advisory committee met Monday night at Topsham town hall to hear public input on matters pertaining to bicyclists and pedestrians on any future replacement of the Frank J. Wood Bridge.

This was the first meeting of the committee that included members from Brunswick, bringing the total membership to 17.

The committee voted to keep Topsham’s Bruce Van Note as the chairman and elected Mike Lyne of Brunswick to the position of vice chairman.

Michael Barrett said he rides across the bridge four times a day and when he saw conceptual plans for the new bridge, a picture of a cyclist by a curb gave him reason for concern.

“I know that bicyclists may prefer to be in the road and have a nice wide lane, but I know that that is not safe,” Barrett said, noting that if a bicyclist gets forced closer to the curb by a large truck, the chances of clipping their peddle on the curb and losing control may be catastrophic.

“I know that because I lost a family member that way,” Barrett said.

Brunswick resident Rich Cromwell said when the Maine Department of Transportation first proposed replacing the aging bridge, he was opposed to replacement — instead, proposing his own redesign to MDOT for a cantilever deck for multi-use between bicycles and pedestrians.

Since then, Cromwell said he’s been impressed with the new bridge designs from MDOT, noting he would feel safe riding across the new structure with his grandson.

Brunswick Town Councilor Alison Harris, speaking as a resident and pedestrian, said she would like to see some protection for pedestrians in the form of some kind of barrier or rail. Harris also said she would like to see lighting options that would make pedestrians feel more comfortable crossing at night.

Kathy Wilson, another Brunswick councilor, said she wanted to ride her bike to the meeting, however, not across the current bridge.

A lifelong resident of Brunswick, Wilson said, “I don’t have an affection for (the bridge).”

Wilson said that she likes the new designs and that even her father, who had an affinity for old things, would have agreed, as the new design affords better views of the riverbanks and buildings.

The next committee meeting will be held Sept. 14 in Brunswick. It will focus on area businesses and Water Street in Brunswick.

• THE NEXT committee meeting will be held Sept. 14 in Brunswick. It will focus on area businesses and Water Street in Brunswick.

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