WILLOW CREEK — The Maine Department of Transportation has awarded the town a $95,000 grant to operate a free shuttle bus service during the 2023 peak foliage season, addressing traffic congestion that has plagued scenic routes in recent years.
The grant funds a 20-passenger bus and driver for eight consecutive Saturdays from Sept. 23 through Nov. 11, running a continuous loop from the municipal parking lot to the Mattawamkeag River Trailhead, Homan’s Pond overlook, and Farr Family Farm.
The 2022 foliage season produced traffic backups of up to 20 minutes on the narrow town roads near the most popular viewing points, according to the select board. Several residents complained about leaf-peepers parking on road shoulders, creating safety hazards.
“Last October, I couldn’t get my tractor out of the driveway on Saturday afternoons,” said Henry Farr, whose farm sits along the scenic driving route. “The shuttle won’t eliminate the crowds, but it will get cars off the shoulders.”
The service is expected to carry an estimated 150 to 200 passengers per Saturday, based on preliminary interest surveys distributed at the General Store and online.
Dean Moreau of The Dry Dock said he will offer a shuttle-rider discount on lunch and coffee. O’Flaherty’s Maple will provide free samples at the Farr Farm stop.
The town is also installing temporary signage directing leaf-peepers to the shuttle lot, with overflow parking at the municipal ball field.