FARMINGTON – County commissioners approved a request by a pair of local area recreational vehicle clubs to allow access on two miles of a county road in principle Tuesday, asking the county clerks to draw up a statement for later approval.
The decision would open up two miles of the East Madrid Road for use by all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles during certain parts of the year. The section in question stretches north from the Madrid/Phillips town line to the Barnjun Junction in the old railway line, a location known locally as the Four Corners. The road has already seen some recreational vehicle traffic, as have many rural Maine roads, but the local clubs are looking for legal access in order to connect a pair of trail systems.
ATV riders would be able to legally use the road from May 30 until Nov. 1. Snowmobiles would have access from Nov. 2 until May 29, obviously with conditions permitting. The speed limit would be 25 mph for recreational vehicles, who would ride along the side of the road.
The two clubs that have approached the commissioners, the Narrow Gauge Riders and the Northern Franklin Snowmobile Club, will purchase signs and situate them at the appropriate points along the road with the assistance of the county’s road agent.
Commissioners have retained the right to revoke the access at any time.
