Boothbay residents got a second opinion of the Route 27 Traffic Study they asked for earlier this spring. On July 28, a peer review of the State Route 27 Corridor Improvement Analysis prepared by GHD and Sebago Technics determined the report “comprehensive and the methods used acceptable and met industry standards,” said Ty Lin International Northeast Traffic Engineering Director Thomas Errico.

Ty Lin International, a global, multi-disciplinary engineering firm with an office in Falmouth, was paid $1,500 by the town of Boothbay to conduct a peer review of Maine Department of Transportation’s study compiled by consultant Mark Lenters of GHD Consulting in Wisconsin.

Lenters’ work was presented in March during the first public informational hearing regarding the proposed roundabout project. During the report, Lenters recommended a roundabout as the best method to improve traffic flow and enhance safety around the Boothbay Common.

Roundabout opponents requested an independent study of his work after learning that Boothbay Harbor Country Club owner Paul Coulombe paid for Lenters’ services on behalf of the DOT.

Errico addressed selectmen and about 30 local residents during the meeting held at the Boothbay Region YMCA. During his presentation, Errico described the Route 27 Redevelopment plan as a “sound comprehensive transportation study which followed typical methods in the industry.” He also recommended the DOT use more concrete data in determining whether the proposed roundabout would support increased traffic 20 years into the future.

“Even with additional growth I think the roundabout would work okay. but I still like to see the DOT go through the exercise of a future forecast,” he said.

In his report, Errico concluded the DOT didn’t have enough data to support its contention that the corridor was a safety hazard. 

“The crash data doesn’t support the conclusion that the safety conditions are unacceptable or high crash severity exists in the study area,” Errico said.

He suggested officials contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department or other appropriate agencies because many accidents go unreported to the DOT for reaching specific property damage thresholds. Errico thought the additional data may better support the DOT’s conclusion.

In evaluating the Route 27 Study, Errico reviewed the documentation provided by the DOT, and visited the Boothbay Common on July 21. Errico witnessed what the Common looked like when a high volume of motor vehicles and pedestrian traffic was evident. The Common was hosting the weekly Farmers Market during his review.

Errico reported his visual observation concluded the Route 27 corridor failed to meet adequate traffic flow and believed Lenters’ recommendation of a roundabout would improve the situation.

“It is my observation that it fails basic levels of traffic service by delaying traffic during peak travel times. It would get an F based on what is considered acceptable,” he said.

Errico also agreed with the DOT’s conclusion that roundabouts generally provide better traffic flow and safety for highly congested areas. Errico reported that worldwide, engineers are moving away from the larger rotaries and using smaller roundabouts to improve traffic flow and safety.

“What we’re finding as they (roundabouts) get smaller the traffic slows down and it’s safer for motorists and pedestrians alike,” he said. “This is happening in the U.K., Australia, the U.S. and here in Maine. We are finding more and more roundabouts.”

But Errico warned a roundabout may not be the most economical way to improve Route 27 traffic. He thought the report should’ve included a cost-benefit analysis of all three potential traffic improvements: stop sign, traffic lights, and roundabout. The Business Partnership Initiative reached between the town, local developer Paul Coulombe and the DOT has each paying a portion of the $3.3 million project.

Errico believed a cheaper option may exist.

“I’d like to see a cost breakdown of each of the potential solutions before deciding upon going with a roundabout,” he said.

Residents also questioned Errico about the Route 27 Study. Bruce MacDonald thanked him for his work, but he still thought the DOT study was tainted. MacDonald preferred the town conducting a complete review from scratch instead hiring a peer review of the state’s transportation research data.

MacDonald said he Googled Mark Lenters and discovered he was a roundabout expert and designer.

“By reviewing his report all you did was come up with a pre-ordained conclusion,” MacDonald said. “I’m not against roundabouts, but I think the recommendation (Route 27 Study) was based on what’s best for one land developer, and not what’s in the town’s best interest.”

Town Manager Dan Bryer responded that the DOT has proposed a roundabout for Route 27 dating back 14 years which preceded Coulombe purchasing the country club.

“This follows the 2002 plan. The only substantive change is the roundabout’s location. The DOT still believes it is the best method to improve the situation,” Bryer said.

Resident Peter Ripley advised everyone hold off on their criticism until a specific proposal was made. He believed the discussion was becoming “too personal” against a local landowner. Ripley, who is the town harbor master, also described how motorists avoid Corey Lane by using the municipal parking lot to access the post office.

“There are definitely traffic issues there. I think we need to put aside the personal issues, and wait until there is a plan. Right now, all we have are some preliminary drawings. We should start by working on a plan to change the Back River Road and Corey Lane,” Ripley said.

The selectmen will forward the peer review to the DOT seeking responses to Errico’s eight comments.

The selectmen will meet next at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the Boothbay Region YMCA.