DURHAM – The Maine Department of Transportation is planning improvements to Route 125, or Pinkham Brook Road, at the Quaker Meetinghouse Road intersection.

The busy intersection has been the site of several serious accidents over the years, including two fatalities.

In a presentation to selectmen, MDOT spokesman Richard Crawford said the federal government would fund 90 percent of the project and the state would pay the remaining 10 percent.

Crawford said accident studies indicated that site distances at the intersection need improvement. There will be cuts and fill in the construction area, Crawford said.

Quaker Meetinghouse Road in front of the Friends Meetinghouse will be cut to provide a level roadway for vehicles stopping at the intersection and on the opposite side of the intersection the grade will be increased to provide another level portion of road for vehicles stopping on that side.

Lane width on Route 125 will be increased from 11 to 15 feet and the lane width on Quaker Meetinghouse Road will be increased from the current 11 to 14 feet.

Selectmen were assured that private wells in the construction areas will be tested, the blasting contractor will monitor buildings during the removal of ledge and the blinking traffic light will be retained. There will be a public hearing on the plan on a date to be announced.

– Connie Footman