Arundel Public Works Director Roger Taschereau, left, and Kennebunk Public Works Director Mike Claus, put the finishing touches on a mileage marker on the Eastern Trail.

Seacoastonline.com – December 27, 2012 2:00 AM

Last week, the Arundel and Kennebunk Public Works Departments combined forces to install 14 mile markers on over 3.5 miles of the Eastern Trail — extending from the Arundel northern boundary to Route 35 in Kennebunk.

Measuring six inches by 12 inches and mounted at eye level, these double-sided signs are stationed at quarter-mile increments along the off-road sections of the trail and they provide recreationalists with a precise location on the trail. More importantly, geo-coordinates of the mile markers will be recorded in the E911 systems of all fire-rescue and police dispatch centers servicing the Eastern Trail, enabling first responders to identify the precise position of any caller requiring emergency assistance. Recreationalists will also find the mileage markers to be a convenient way of tracking their progress while running, cycling, or walking along the trail. These mile markers were generously donated by Southern Maine Medical Center — a longstanding supporter and a sponsor of many charity and health promoting events conducted on the Eastern Trail.

All distances on the installed signs are measured from the Eastern Trail’s starting point at Bug Light in South Portland Harbor and will terminate at the completed Memorial Bridge in Kittery. The idea of installing emergency mile markers was first broached by the police and fire departments of host communities along the trail. A committee of emergency responders headed by Chief Mike Thurlow of the Scarborough presented the sign design that was adopted by the Eastern Trail Management District for the entire trail.

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