Study group explores options for I-395, Route 9 connection

HOLDEN – For the first time since they began meeting regularly last fall, members of the Interstate 395, Route 9 public advisory committee tonight will get a chance to begin eyeing some possible routes for a proposed connector road.

Because the group’s usual work space at Holbrook School is otherwise occupied, the group’s May meeting has been relocated to the Holden Elementary School gym. The session will run from 6 to 9 p.m.

Before that, however, they will hear a report on the April 11 public information and scoping meeting, review travel demand forecasting and consider natural and social features in the study area, among other things.

Until now, the PAC members and a study team consisting of state and federal highway officials have been heavily involved in the nuts and bolts of the study process. The study, which will involve a hard look at the environmental and social effects the proposed road might have, ultimately will lead to a decision on whether it would address traffic issues in the area and if and where it should be built.

According to proponents, a connector road would reduce some of the truck traffic in downtown Brewer and on Routes 46 and 9 in Holden and Eddington. It also would ease some of the safety problems in that area. The road also is considered a key step toward providing an east-west connection linking Interstate 95 with Routes 9 and 2.