WELLS — Members of the Wells Planning Board and town staff have further outlined the upcoming construction of the new public safety buildings after performing a site walk last week.

The new public safety complexes will include a combined police and fire station on the corner of U.S. Route 1 and Harbor Road, as well as a fire substation on Route 109, across from Bragdon Road.

During a Wells Planning Board meeting on Monday night, Town Engineer Mike Livingston said that the buildings’ corners at both sites had been marked with paint or grade stakes.

In terms of the complex on the corner of U.S. Route 1 and Harbor Road, town officials expressed confidence in retaining already existent features of the area.  

“Possible items noted to save for the future site plan are two crimson maple trees that are on the Harbor Road side of the project as well as the clock and stone wall and associated sidewalk out of Harbor Road,” Livingston said.

Town officials also discussed traffic light modifications in the area, which Livingston said would require Department of Transportation consultation.

Across from Main Street, a vacant parking lot could act as a construction staging area and temporary construction office.

Livingston stated that over on Route 109 the site area for the fire substation possessed an abundance of large trees. He added that vegetation removal is needed to improve sight distance to the east.

Abutters shared concerns during the site walk regarding drainage impacts to their lots, as well as the Merriland River. Residents of the area also voiced concerns over the impact the substation will have on traffic at the Bragdon Road intersection.

“Sight distances, travel speed, additional truck traffic and lack of vehicles stopping at the Bragdon Road intersection were all concerns of that abutter,” Livingston said.

Town officials will consider use of signs at the fire substation, he said.

“Also discussed was possible signage to give warning of use of the fire station when an event occurs,” Livingston said. “Possibly even a flashing light system.”

Town Manager Jon Carter recently announced that Landry/French Construction, of Scarborough, had been chosen as construction manager for the $14.25 million projects.

Wells voters approved the $14.25 million bond during the last town meeting ballot by a vote of 1,176 to 580.

— Staff Writer Ryder Schumacher can be reached at 282-1535, or via email at rschumacher@journaltribune.com.

 

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