Topsham hits brakes on plan to allow ATVs on Main Street

TIMES RECORD • August 7, 2026

Concerns about the potential danger of allowing ATV riders on a section Main Street where the speed limit climbs to 50 mph, and neighbors’ complaints of the chaos they said ensued the last time ATVs were allowed in the area, prompted Topsham selectmen to table the proposal. Suzanna Charron said her home is about 150 feet from a gate on the western side of I-295 where the proposed ATV road access would end and ATVs would enter into the woods at a former temporary on ramp. There was previously a trail there, but it was discontinued and gated off about 10 years ago. She, and her father-in-law, David Charron, who also lives in the neighborhood, said the trail was closed then due to “chaos” caused by riders abusing the trail system.