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Consultant: gateway pilot has regional precedent; Maine DOT must sign off
Summary
Consultant Jim Tassy told the Hampden council the gateway design has produced measurable speed reductions in other Maine towns and emphasized Maine DOT review is required before implementation.
Consultant Jim Tassy outlined past demonstration projects across Maine that used the gateway configuration originating from Michigan, telling the council the design has produced measurable reductions in vehicle speeds. Tassy said the pilot uses visual narrowing (flex posts and lane markers) to reduce speeds and that temporary installations are followed by possible permanent curbing only if data supports it.
On accountability and liability, Tassy told council members any pilot on a state road must be reviewed by Maine DOT regional engineers. “Once the DOT reviews it, approves it… they will have ultimate responsibility,” he said, adding that municipalities commonly receive sovereign-immunity protections for planning exercises. He asked the council for approval to advance the pilot to DOT review so the state could assess suitability.
