Highland Overlook Landowners Association is drawing attention to the combination of high speed and short sightlines at intersections along Route 4 and its Rangeley neighborhoods as a major safety concern for motorists.

The section of concern on Route 4 runs from just south of the Whip Willow Farm Scenic Overlook to the northern entrance of Overlook Road. The half-mile section is in Rangeley. The speed limit is 50 mph. Portions of the road are marked as passing areas. The section of roadway in question has areas of elevation gain and curves. There are several driveways and named roads along either side of Route 4.

The association has 205 members and landowners in the Lakeview Highlands and Rangeley Overlook areas, and in Rangeley, Sandy River and Dallas plantations.

The Board of Selectmen learned Sept. 16 there had been concerns with travelers leaving Lynn Way, according to an association member. The road has a blocked sightline and turns onto a section of Route 4 with dual passing zones.

Selectman Keith Savage said he would encourage the association to improve the approach to or out of the roads in question, including working with Maine Department of Transportation to allow larger views as motorists pull onto the main road.

“I think those are things we should look at first before we look at speed reductions,” Savage said.

The association first reached out to the Board of Selectmen with the concerns in November 2023. Timothy Soucie, DOT region traffic engineer, stated in a follow-up letter to the town in December 2024 that a safety review did not recommend a change to the posted speed limit.

A 500-foot passing zone could be eliminated, Soucie wrote, as it is likely too short to be of use. A second 2,500-foot long dual passing zone met the considerations used to establish passing zones, including have sufficient sight distance.

Soucie suggested improvements to the visibility of the entrances, including DOT-installed intersection warning signs for Lynnway and Overlook Road. He also suggested the association install lighting at road entrances, improve sight lines by clearing vegetation and widening road entrances.

“Basically, change the landscape for it doesn’t feel safe to drive 50 miles per hour,” Rangeley Town Manager Joe Roach said.

Roach said DOT partnership initiatives could be considered. These arrangements would allow cost sharing for traffic calming projects such as extending sidewalks, landscape features and lighting.

A recent speed study in Oquossoc Village cost $100,000 and did not result in an changes, Roach said.

Savage suggested acquiring basic conceptual drawings of entryways and lighting.

“I can visualize a sidewalk. If we are looking at adjustments to the viewscape or whatever else, then it just warrants the idea of seeing them and understanding costs versus, I don’t want to say benefit, because a single accident, a single life far outweighs cost,” Savage said.

The board directed Roach to reach out to the regional DOT planner to have an initial conversation about traffic calming initiatives and formulate a proposal.