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Board declines immediate commitment to Route 12 speed study; will await state and Orleans findings
Summary
Town staff outlined a proposed Route 12 speed-reduction study with the Town of Orleans; some board members opposed spending town funds now, citing prior DOT data and summer-specific traffic patterns, and the board agreed to wait for Orleans' results and state/federal evaluations before committing.
The board discussed whether to participate in a Route 12 speed-reduction study (cost roughly $18,300, split with the Town of Orleans). Rob and other presenters explained the consultant collects independent speed and traffic data and that DOT historically sets limits by an 85th-percentile standard (55 mph or similar); Rob also noted a new Federal Highway Administration rule that could change state methods.
Some board members argued the town should not spend taxpayer dollars on a local study now given previous DOT findings that did not support lowering the limit and the largely seasonal nature of the traffic concern. Others said it would be useful to see Orleans' study results and any state updates before deciding. The board did not make a motion to fund the study at the meeting.
Chair emphasized waiting for data-driven recommendations from the agencies and Orleans’ analysis before committing town funds.
