Eddy Road ledge blasting will begin Sept. 23 and last for about a week, according to Drilling & Blasting Rock Specialist, Inc. owner Tim Purington. On Sept. 16, the Edgecomb Planning Board voted 5-0 with one abstention, from Gretchen Burleigh-Johnson, in granting a blasting permit.

This is the second of a two-part Maine Department of Transportation construction project in Edgecomb. MDOT is in the final stages of installing a “Florida-T” which is designed to allow easier access from Route 27 to Route 1. The Eddy Road expansion has been discussed for years, including widening the road by shaving off six to 10 feet of ledge. MDOT officials report the project will improve motorists’ site lines and make road maintenance easier. 

The work involves daytime closures between Clifford and Fort roads from Sept. 20 to Sept. 30 with full lane closures between 6 and 7 a.m. Signs will direct drivers to detour routes. This work may also involve an alternating, one-lane traffic pattern when Eddy Road can be opened to through-traffic. Eddy Road will remain open to local traffic. Residents who live on the Fort Edgecomb side of the closure will be able to access their homes from U.S. Route 1. Residents who live on the other side of the causeway will be able to access their homes from Route 27.

Eddy Road residents Skip and Helen White were the only abutters who attended the planning board meeting. Skip White told Purington and the board his main concern was his well. “I’m not anticipating any problems, but water is important so what do I do if I have a problem?”

Purington reported his company had $1 to $5 million of insurance. “If you have a problem give me a call,” he said.

In other action, Chairman Barry Hathorne required masks worn by all participants. “I was asked to require masks so that’s why,” he said. 

The board meets next at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 in the town hall’s upstairs.