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Engineers present options for Exit 9; Warner voters fund $129,000 for planning
Summary
McFarland Johnson presented roundabout and traffic-signal options for Exit 9; attendees debated safety needs, state funding and local development impacts. Voters approved a $129,000 addition to the Exit 9 Improvements Capital Reserve Fund (YES 94 NO 58).
An engineering presentation and extended public discussion about traffic problems at Exit 9 led Warner voters to approve $129,000 to an Exit 9 Improvements Capital Reserve Fund for planning and preliminary work.
Board of Selectmen Chairman David Hartman introduced Brian Colburn of McFarland Johnson, the Concord-based engineers selected to study traffic at Exit 9. Mr. Colburn "provided an overview of the problems and proposed solutions that have been discussed," outlining pros and cons of a roundabout versus a traffic signal, relative costs and the scope of the firm’s contract. Police Chief William Chandler answered questions about accident patterns and local traffic conditions; an abutter provided additional information referenced by the chief.
Audience members questioned whether a traffic problem exists in the Exit 9 area and asked about potential State funding and the planned expansion by Demoulas Market Basket. Selectmen and Mr. Colburn fielded questions about design, future carriers, and possible fees the town might collect from new development. Discussion continued into the evening and was recorded as ongoing until 8:55 p.m. The article passed on a paper-ballot vote, YES 94 NO 58.
What this means: the $129,000 will be held in the Exit 9 Improvements Capital Reserve Fund to support further engineering, design work and potential future construction planning. Any eventual project—whether a roundabout, signal or other configuration—will require additional design work, permitting and likely state coordination before construction.
