The onset of winter brings on safety concerns for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic within our community. The goal of the Town of Houlton is to maintain safety for everyone who travels our 16 miles of sidewalks and 74 miles of roads each and every day.
Our public works department works daily to maintain these passages so as to be as safe as possible. However, winter inherently brings on dangerous conditions. Not only can the road surface be unpredictable, but snowfall brings high snow banks, creating obstructed views for both vehicle operators and pedestrians. We also have longer hours of darkness.
State law requires that pedestrians have the right of way and vehicles must yield for them allowing safe passage. It is the responsibility of both vehicle operators and pedestrians to use extreme caution in the winter conditions.
I am in hopes that our motoring and pedestrian public will be most diligent this coming winter and watch out for one another as we move about our community. In addition, Town Manager Bill MacDonald is available for the public to contact him with concerns about specific issues on roadways and sidewalks. As we progress through winter, please be patient with our Public Works Department as they work hard to clear the many miles of public passage during stormy conditions.
In response to public safety concerns, the Houlton Police Department will have available to the public upon request fluorescent vests and “ice grippers” for footwear. Simply stop in at the police station.
We wish the citizens of Houlton a safe and enjoyable winter.
Chief Tim DeLuca
Houlton
