Council tables MDOT Route 24 construction over‑limit agreement after safety concerns

The Gardiner City Council on May 14, 2025, voted to re‑table consideration of a construction over‑limit agreement with the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) for work on Route 24 after council members said they wanted MDOT to address traffic routing and safety concerns at a nearby culvert.

City Manager Bob Peabody described the item as “a pro forma request” and said MDOT seeks the council’s approval to allow heavy equipment to travel over the city road during a construction period, with contingencies and bond in place. “Madam Mayor, this is just, a pro forma request. They're doing work in the area,” he said.

Council members pressed for more detail about a nearby culvert and a narrow dirt road that would carry diverted traffic while MDOT completes the work. Mayor Patricia Hart and several councillors said the section is narrow and partly dirt, and expressed concern about heavy vehicles passing near a septic system and a steep drop. “I personally prefer not to sign this until we get that sorted out with them,” Hart said.

Councillor Rusty Greenleaf moved to re‑table the item to a future meeting; Councillor Cone seconded the motion. The council recorded a unanimous vote to postpone final action and asked staff to follow up with MDOT and to consult Councillor Cusick, who works at the Department of Transportation, about potential routing and safety mitigations.

The tabling leaves the MDOT request pending; council members said they will seek clearer plans from MDOT showing safe routing and protections for private infrastructure before taking a final vote.