NEW GLOUCESTER – Future plans to make Upper Gloucester a safer village – and one that attracts business establishments – are pegged to a traffic study, town leaders agreed Wednesday.

Last month the town’s zoning committee held a brainstorming session, inviting people who live in Upper Gloucester to give input on the village’s future.

Norm Chamberlain of Taylor Engineering of Auburn presented three possible proposals for rerouting traffic in Upper Gloucester at the intersection of routes 100 and 231 at Thursday’s panel session.

A bypass around Route 100 was suggested with new intersections at Intervale and Bald Hill roads to create safer traffic movement.

Another plan calls for reconfiguring intersections into right angles, especially at Upper Gloucester and Peacock Hill roads.

A plan no longer in the works would have created a sweeping by-pass to reroute traffic around Upper Corner to the west and then reconnect north of Gilmore Road. That plan would have created a village center opportunity at Route 100 and Peacock Hill Road.

Upper Gloucester residents say safer intersections at routes 231 and 100 are needed. Speeding through the area is a problem. Long waits to enter Route 100 often occur. And, there is an increased volume of trucks avoiding Turnpike tolls on Route 100.

Another problem: Access drives for businesses are too wide or unclear, people said.

Crosswalks and sidewalks to make the area pedestrian safe also are needed.

Residents also wondered about utilities. If increased density continues at Upper Gloucester, public water and sewer may be needed and that would be expensive.

A traffic study will be the next step. Input with and coordination by Maine Department of Transportation will be sought.