ITD needs to 'get 'er done' on Sand Creek Byway
I have listened to the arguments for and against the Sand Creek Byway for some 50 of the 53 years of my residency in Bonner County. Liz Sedler's letter to the editor (Nov. 6, 2005), "Byway will do nothing to solve traffic problems" sums up three major points against the bypass. Some conclusions are evident.
1. "The byway will not reduce in-town traffic." If this is true, it is because a small, vocal minority has managed to pressure the Idaho Transportation Department to reduce the four-lane bypass to a to-lane byway.
2. Too expensive, "$70 million project." This same minority has used politics, questionable information and now the courts to delay a less than $10 million project, causing the costs to increase to current levels.
3. "The byway will do nothing about east-west traffic." Through traffic from Clark Fork (east) will become north-sound traffic by going onto the byway without ever entering Sandpoint. This leaves west side traffic only. Removing through traffic and trucks from three major highways into Sandpoint will certainly reduce in-town traffic.
Conclusion: It does seem ironic that the same minority who has caused the byway project to be insufficient for traffic and extremely expensive are now claiming their success is the main reason to abandon the Sand Creek bypass.
I recommend the ITD install a four-lane bypass. By installing a new top on the old bridge, traffic could be separated.
Two lanes northbound on the old bridge and two lanes southbound on the current bridge. These action would greatly reduce fatal crashes and traffic delays from accidents on the current bridge. Emergency response from police, fire and ambulance crews also would be improved.
On behalf of the many who have lost their lives on the bridge during the last 50 years of controversy, I appeal to this small minority to stop blocking the obvious 40-year fix to our traffic problems. I further appeal to those in local government, citizens and the chamber of commerce to pressure ITD to "git 'er done."
Is it possible that those who force delays in addressing public safety have personal liability in wrongful death and cost increased lawsuits?
LLOYD WALLACE
Sandpoint