DREADFUL CONDITION OF 196‏

This will be this writer's 10th summer as a resident of Lisbon.  Each year from summer number one, route 196 between the Lewiston city line and where 196 meets route one in Brunswick has deteriorated more and more each year. 

That being said, on a more local note, the condition of 196 between Memorial street and Mill street has deteriorated to a point where it is simply dangerous to drive on, especially after dark.  Being even more specific, between the Getty gas station and Graziano square 196 is a mine field.

To which, over two years ago I called Gina Mason of the town council and discussed this issue with her.  Mrs. Mason replied that 196 was a state road and as such, maintenance was the responsibility of the state.  I thought she knew what she was talking about.

This past week I called the Governors office and spoke with an administrative assistant who listened to my complaint about 196 with kindness and a promise my call would be responded to.

A few days later I received a call from the district manager, I believe his name was Mr. Van Note, who explained the budgetary problems the state faced  making choices of state roads to be overhauled.  Route 196 was one of three top priorities of 2010, but when it came down to only two choices, 196 had to be shelved until 2011 or 2012.

When I told him of Mrs. Mason's reply to me that 196 was a state problem and not a Lisbon problem, this very courteous gentleman said that wasn't necessarily the case.  He went on to explain that the state gives each community money each year to have their local people make repairs to state highways within the bounds of their town. 

My question to the town manager is, where has this state assistance gone?  It has obviously not gone to repair the hideous conditions mentioned above. 

While on the subject.  When there is a selective small pot hole filled by the local workers, I have noticed when they  put down the black top, they do nothing more than pat it down with the back of a shovel.  With the next rain, the pot hole returns. Doesn't anyone on the local DPW staff know how to properly fill a pot hole?

Yours truly,

A pot hole dodging citizen ..... one of many I am sure!