2 Issues & 4 questions for June 2026 in Middlesex
Notes from the June 16th Selectboard meeting: a petition to upgrade South Bear Swamp Road from Class 4 to Class 3, Russ Bennett's CHIP-funded Colby Road proposal, and what each means for who can afford to live in town.
Owners on South Bear Swamp Road have petitioned to re-classify a portion of the road from Class 4 to Class 3. I have no firsthand account, but Select Board discussions indicate legal action was taken or threatened against the town if the road was not upgraded.
Middlesex has National, State, Interstate Highways and Class 2-4 roads. Class 4 roads are not maintained by the town, while the town still maintains ownership and control of right-of-way. Homes on Class 4 roads were built or purchased with full knowledge that those owners would be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the road, without public assistance.
A town may decide to re-classify roads over time. A town should have a policy and procedure that minimizes the opportunity for bias or self-dealing when determining the classification of a road.
Here is the Town of Middlesex policy on upgrading a Class 4 road — see Part C of the 2003 Highway Ordinance.