Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council requests MDOT speed study for Costello Road after resident complaint
Summary
At a resident's request, the Gardiner City Council voted unanimously to ask Maine DOT to review the posted 40 mph limit on Costello Road; the council also directed staff to consider placing a portable radar speed sign.
The Gardiner City Council on May 7 voted unanimously to request a Maine Department of Transportation speed study of Costello Road after a constituent reported vehicles regularly exceeding the posted 40 mph limit and cited recent accidents and blind corners near farm driveways and bus stops.
Councilor Gaye Grant read an email from local farmer Jackie Frost of Butting Heads Farm, who said traffic has increased in the area with new housing and drivers routinely exceed the 40 mph limit. Frost asked the council to request that DOT review the road and consider lowering the posted speed limit to 35 mph.
City Manager Bob Peabody and Police Chief Todd Pillsbury explained the process: MDOT typically conducts field reviews under free‑flow conditions and can decide to lower, raise or keep the existing limit. Pillsbury emphasized that signs alone do not guarantee compliance and that enforcement resources shape driver behavior. The chief said the department will consult with the resident on a possible location to place the city’s portable radar speed sign while the study is pending.
Councilor Grant moved to request a DOT speed study; Councilor Cohen seconded the motion, and the council recorded a unanimous vote.
Why it matters: A speed‑limit change could affect driver behavior on a corridor used by commuters, school buses and farm traffic; residents cited safety concerns at blind corners and near bus stops.
What’s next: City staff will submit the formal request to MDOT and coordinate with Chief Pillsbury on placement of a portable speed radar sign and outreach to the resident who requested the review.
Ending: Councilors noted that MDOT can elect to lower, raise or keep the current limit and that enforcement will remain a key part of any safety strategy.
