The Maine Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public meeting on its plans for the Windham intersection of Route 202 and Route 302, locally known as Fosters Corner, from May 15 until June 2.

Gerald Libby, a project manager at Maine DOT, said the department is required to hold two public meetings for community infrastructure projects. The first, a preliminary public meeting, typically occurs during the early stages of development, while a formal public meeting is held later to inform the public of the direction of the project.

Libby said one of the advantages the format has when compared to in-person meetings is a greater flexibility for the public. Whereas previous meetings were restricted to one time and place, virtual meetings allow residents to comment and ask questions anywhere at any time during the public comment period, while receiving responses from Maine DOT staff.

In addition to the forthcoming Windham meeting, there will be 10 virtual public meetings, per Maine DOT’s website.

Libby said a consultant working on the project offered Maine DOT three possible solutions for renovating Fosters Corner, which include the installation of a four-way stop; converting the intersection from a rotary to a roundabout, which would reduce the size and speed limit of the intersection; and keeping the rotary as is, with some safety improvements.

Libby, alongside fellow project manager Martin Rooney, presented the options to the town government. Libby said the town preferred to keep the rotary, which was constructed in the 1950s, viewing it as a “gateway” to the town.

Planned improvements to the rotary include widening the road, improving drainage, and adding S-shaped curves in the road, also known as “chicanes,” used to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents.

Work on the project is at least two years from beginning, with funding currently available only for preliminary engineering. Maine DOT is in the design stage of the project, with a consultant looking into how the planned improvements would impact abutting properties and whether the department should consider purchasing land near the intersection.

The preliminary design report is due by January 2027, with a decision on impacts to be made in July 2027. Maine DOT will spend the next year talking to abutters about their needs and considerations. Advertisements for construction will go out in late 2028 for a spring 2029 construction period, and Libby estimated the project would be completed by the end of 2029.

Residents of Windham interested in commenting on the proposed changes can ask questions through this link, also posted on the Windham town website, from May 15 until June 2.