By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — An engineer’s drawing of a widened and safer intersection at Point Sebago and Riggs roads drew a crowd.

When Town Manager Dave Morton announced he had in hand road improvement blueprints, Selectman Ray Grant asked to see them.

Morton agreed, and invited audience members to gather around the board of selectmen’s meeting table. Residents wanted to get the first look at the proposed changes to the roadway. Many people commented on how dangerous the intersection is, especially during the summer season when it is heavily traveled.

Chairman Barbara York advocated for putting road construction crews to work “before the prime tourist season.”

York made the motion, which passed 5 to 0, to put the road construction project out to bid as quickly as possible. Selectmen would approve the town’s referral-for-proposals (RFPs) before that paperwork is sent to any companies.

By recently taking ownership of the land around the existing road, the town has been able pursue the road construction that will eliminate a treacherous turn on a narrow stretch of road. During a special town meeting on March 6, residents approved the transfer of the land from Point Sebago Resort to the Town of Casco. Essentially, the owners of Point Sebago Resort sold for $1 the right-of-way parcel needed to move and realign the intersection. Point Sebago Road is located off Route 302 in South Casco.

The new intersection will be located west of where it is now. Also, the sketches call for “a three-way stop. That will give people time to stop and then turn,” Morton said.

“It will make it safer for everybody, for the people who are driving, walking and biking,” Morton said.

Another step in the process is for Portland Water District employees to look at the sketches of the project, which is located about 600 feet from the lake, Morton said.

“We always include Portland Water District if we do anything close to the lake,” he said.