LISBON — Town officials hope lane changes on Route 196, at the intersection with Route 125, will improve the flow of traffic.

Dedicated right-turn lanes in both directions on Route 196 that allowed traffic to go straight or right have been changed to make left-turn lanes.

“Ninety-nine percent of the work is done,” Public Works Director Thomas Martin Jr. said. “Now, it’s just watching the traffic patterns and we’ll make adjustments if we need to.”

Martin wants motorists to be aware of the change. He believes the new lane designations will prevent congestion. The installation of replacement lights and road striping were done overnight so they would not affect as many motorists.

The most recent Maine Department of Transportation traffic study on Route 196 showed an average of 14,530 cars traveled that stretch daily in 2017.

“It’s a much-needed change,” Martin said. “That intersection in that area is scheduled to be rebuilt in 2020.”

MDOT is planning more work in the area within the next two years, including the addition of a right-turn lane on Main Street and culling parking spots.


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