Proposed bypass could mean
loss of recreational trail
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The possible loss of an important recreational trail artery within the Star City has officials looking for a solution, should one of three bypass options gain approval.
The decision is in the hands of the Army Corps of Engineers. Choices include:
• Option 4B would consist of upgrades along Route 1 from the Cambridge Road in Westfield to the Route 1/Centerline Road intersection. It would continue north, roughly paralleling the Centerline Road to the east, going around the hill between the Henderson and Williams roads to minimize the cut and fill and steep grades associated with crossing directly over the top of the hill. Immediately north of Easton Road (Route 10), 4B would briefly cross to the west of Centerline Road and then re-cross back to the east of that road, allowing continued access to residences in that area. This option would extend northward across Route 163/167, the Aroostook River, the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway and Reach Road (Route 210), before swinging west to rejoin Route 1;
• Option 6 is generally the farthest east of the alignment options analyzed and diverges from Route 1 near the Presque Isle/Westfield border and extends north crossing Henderson Road, the MMA Railway, Easton Road and Conant Road. It then swings northwest, crossing Route 163/167, the Aroostook River, the MM&A Railway a second time, Reach Road (Route 210) and Higgins Road, before rejoining Route 1 south of Brewer Road (Route 210); and
• Option 7 (a revised version of the original option 2X) would divert traffic from Route 1 near the Presque Isle/Westfield town line and extend north across Henderson Road, swing northwest and then north after crossing the MMA Railway. After crossing the Easton Road (Route 10) it would turn northwest and crosses Conant Road, Routes 163/167, the Aroostook River, Reach Road (Route 210) and the Higgins Road, before converging with Route 1 south of Brewer Road (Route 210).
It’s Option 7 that is raising concern, since construction of this route would effectively shut down a section of recreational trail located on property owned by Paul Cyr that runs between State Street Extension and the Conant Road.
“This is the section City Council has voted to support. I met with City Manager Jim Bennett — we took a ride to Paul’s land so I could show him how the trail will be affected, should this bypass option go through,” said Bob Good, Star City ATV Club board member.
Good said while there’s been a lot of discussion as to the impact on wetlands, the benefits of re-routing truck traffic away from downtown and the pros and cons building the bypass would have on local businesses, he’s heard nothing about how the route would affect recreational activities like snowmobiling and ATV use. He said cutting out a section of trail in the heart of Aroostook County — in Presque Isle — would negatively affect not just local businesses but those throughout the county and beyond.
“Changing the system changes recreation for the whole state. The bypass will re-route through traffic and benefit the downtown but it will negatively impact northern Maine businesses that rely on ATV riders and snowmobilers for much of their business,” said Good.
Good noted that, should Option 7 be approved, riders traveling the trail system from the south would have to take the longer route through Easton to get to destinations like Winnie’s or Bonanza to eat.
“To get to the Sled Shop, Presque Isle Inn or Budget Traveler to the south of the city, travelers from the north would face a similar situation, having to either travel through Mapleton or Easton to circle around to those businesses,” Good explained.
Planning and Development Director Ken Arndt said he’s heard little talk of how the bypass would impact recreational activity in the area.
“I don’t recall any discussion on the part of the city as to the impact the proposed bypass would have on the area trail system,” said Arndt.
Arndt said nothing has been finalized and that the Maine Department of Transportation and Army Corps of Engineers had the final say in the matter. An official with the MDOT said three options remain on the table at this time but no decision has been made at this point.
“Three alignment alternatives are still on the table — one Presque Isle officials favor and two others. The one the city favors may not be the one ultimately chosen. The Army Corps of Engineers will be selecting the one that has the least environmental impact,” said Russell Charette, director, Mobility Management Division, Bureau of Transportation Systems Planning, MDOT.
Charette confirmed that should the option favored by the city be built, it would result in discontinuing the current trail through that section of the community and that it would have more negative impact on those using ATVs than snowmobiles.
“Snowmobiles have an exception in the federal statute to cross (such roads as the bypass). ATVs would have to cross at a public crossing, so they would no longer be able to cross where the trail currently is situated,” said Charette.
If Option 7 goes through, ATV enthusiasts wishing to travel to the south would have to use the trail along the Burlock Road and travel through Easton. Those traveling from the south would also have to go through Easton to head north.
“It’ll mean more business for Easton but at what cost to Presque Isle? Thousands use the system in the winter and summer,” said Good, noting the SCATV Club is putting out a petition at local businesses in hopes of getting signatures to take to City Council to show there’s enough interest in seeking an alternative route to save the trail.
“We need to do something to save recreational activities. What’s going to happen if we loose the trail? People coming in will find the easiest route — many won’t be authorized trails. That will mean increased issues for game wardens and landowner problems,” said Good. “If the current proposed route goes through, it will kill the trail.”
“All we want is for Council to take another look and consider the impact the loss of the trail will have on the city and its businesses,” said Good.
