Gardiner ? Crews will be perform a trial installation of a four-way stop at the intersection of Water, Church and Maine Avenue in Gardiner beginning on Tuesday, May 24th.
This trial is to determine whether a signalized intersection or four-way stop is more conducive to traffic flow in the long term.
While the existing intersection is signalized, it no longer has the amount of traffic to meet the warrants for a traffic signal. However, it does meet the warrants for a four-way stop. A four-way stop will have the benefit of reduced maintenance and electrical costs to the city and will result in lower speeds through the intersection.
Regardless of the outcome of the trial, the signal needs to remain functional throughout the time period where the two bridges on Maine Avenue and Bridge Street are being replaced (at least through 2019) due to the expected increase in traffic during the closures. Until then, the signals will be covered and rendered inoperable.
It is anticipated the project will be completed in mid-July, 2016.