PARIS — The Select Board on Monday unanimously agreed to send a letter to the state highway department opposing the idea of installing a traffic light at the intersection of Route 26 and Oxford Street.

The letter to the Maine Department of Transportation was written by Chairman Christopher Summers, who said the street cannot handle additional traffic that would result from having a light.

“This letter simply states that the town may be willing to take action to mitigate some of that traffic, and that they should take that into consideration before going forward with a traffic light,” Summers said.

Google lists Oxford Street as a bypass for motorists to avoid traffic on Route 26 through Norway and Paris.

Some drivers use it for that purpose.

Summer said more traffic will lead to spending more money for maintenance on the street, which connects Route 26 in Oxford to East Main Street/Route 119 in Paris.

According to figures provided to Summers by Town Clerk and interim Town Manager Elizabeth Knox, the town has spent about $250,000 for paving and other maintenance on Oxford Street since 2019. That would only increase if MDOT goes through with its plan, Summers said.

In other business, the Highway Department is looking into an emergency purchase of equipment to plow town sidewalks. The board asked department Director Jamie Hutchinson to get a couple more bids before making a decision.

The new equipment will be paid for with American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The board approved renewing a liquor license for Riverside Lodge at 20 Park St.

Members of the Fire Department will hold a fundraising drive on Route 26 from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18.

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