Timeline for Ellsworth bypass

1970 – DOT first proposes Ellsworth bypass, but after first showing support for the proposal, voters reject the idea.

1990 – The question of building a bypass surfaces again when the city updates its comprehensive plan and a local developer unsuccessfully suggests building a road parallel to High Street.

1991 – In a local survey, 67 percent of respondents express support for a bypass around central Ellsworth, but local merchants oppose the idea.

1993 – Wal-Mart opens 94,000-square-foot store on Route 3 near Trenton town line.

1994 – Down East Highway, later renamed Myrick Street, is built on Beckwith Hill between Routes 1 and 3.

1997 – DOT holds a public meeting to discuss how to alleviate traffic congestion at intersection of High, Main, and Oak streets, and again the issue of a bypass is debated.

2000 – Wal-Mart proposes to build 208,000-square-foot Supercenter at Route 3-Myrick Street intersection. W-S Development proposes to build 200,000 square feet of retail space on Myrick Street, but puts those plans on hold after being told by DOT it will have to spend $2 million on local road improvements.

DOT presents plan to widen north end of High Street.

2001 – 116,000-square-foot Home Depot store opens on Myrick Street. Ellsworth creates TIF district.

In a local survey, 72 percent of respondents express support for a bypass around central Ellsworth.

2002 – Wal-Mart abandons Supercenter proposal after being told by DOT it will have to spend about $3 million on local road improvements.

The Ellsworth City Council rejects two local proposals that DOT conduct a bypass study after local merchants again voice opposition to the idea.

2003 – Legislature rejects a bill calling for a traffic study of the traffic corridors through Ellsworth.

Dunkin Donuts scraps idea of building on Beckwith Hill because of high traffic mitigation costs.

DOT presents plans to improve intersections on Bridge Hill and at State Street and Route 1A.