One of the most frequently used crosswalks in Boothbay Harbor is the one between the school and the YMCA. The Community School District Trustees are currently working on increasing safety at this crosswalk.

“I spoke with David Allen in the Maine Department of Transportation about improving the crosswalk area,” school Maintenance Supervisor Dave Benner said. “He suggested several ways to improve it.”

These included raising the height of the signs (they should be a minimum of 60 inches from the ground) and creating new signs that would have flashing lights around the edges.

These lights would be on signs facing both north and south, and would be activated when those crossing pressed a button. The signs would be solar powered and wouldn't require any wiring.

Also, Allen suggested adding a new sign 500 feet north of the crosswalk that would read “Crosswalk Ahead,” and adding road reflectors (those small strips that reflect light, often used in construction areas) on both sides of the sidewalk.

According to Benner, the total cost for these improvements would be between $5,200 and $6,000. MDOT would assist in the installation process if requested.

Benner said the reflectors would need to be replaced each spring as they would be removed by snowplows, but they cost only $2 each.

The trustees were pleased that MDOT would allow improvements. Chairman Chris Buchanan asked if MDOT would allow lights to be embedded into the pavement instead of simply reflectors.

“There is a crosswalk in Brunswick where if someone presses the button led lights embedded into the road light up; it's impossible to miss them and makes for a very safe crosswalk,” Buchanan said. “Also since they are under the pavement they wouldn't need replacing because of snow removal and would work during the winter.”

Benner said he would look into the possibility and report back next meeting.

The trustees are not sure when the improvements could be done, and are still in the early planning stages. The next meeting of the CSD Trustees will be on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 5:15 p.m. in the BRHS library.