HAMPDEN, Maine — A large evergreen tree that broke and fell on top of a FairPoint telecommunications wire during an early snowstorm on Nov. 2 has still not been dealt with more than a week later, and it is posing a hazard to Hampden motorists.
Since it broke, the tree’s outer end is sticking out into the southbound travel lane in front of 202 Main Road North, which is part of U.S. Route 1A.
Hampden Town Manager Susan Lessard said Wednesday that municipal and public safety officials are aware of the problem, but she pointed out that the tree is hanging from a FairPoint wire on a stretch of roadway that is maintained by the Maine Department of Transportation.
Cones were set out Monday to mark the trouble spot, and Hampden police planned to check Wednesday evening to make sure there are enough cones to make it noticeable to motorists, Lessard said.
Maine Department of Transportation spokesman Ted Talbot said state transportation officials also are aware of the problem but that it might be FairPoint’s issue to address, as the state wants to avoid causing further damage to the utility’s infrastructure.
Talbot said the department planned to meet on Thursday with local and FairPoint officials to decide whose responsibility it is to remove the tree and how best to move forward.
FairPoint’s spokesman could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening.