by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Route 1 has fallen into disrepair as collectors and dealers are chipping away pieces for themselves and to sell as “true relics” of Maine's historic coastal highway. Now, local officials are speaking out to stop the damage.

“We know Route 1 has a special place in the hearts of Mainers and visitors, but they have got to stop taking chunks of it home with them,” said Machias Town Manager Bill Kitchen, who last week had to replace a wheel on his car. “It’s ripping apart Main Street.”