Don't let area's potential languish in ITD limbo

Thank you to Bonner County Daily Bee Publisher David Keyes and David Banks for their opinions on the need for a bypass.

Both writers refer to a vocal minority as the obstructionists picking apart the Idaho Transportation Department's plan for the bypass. The truth of the matter is that ITD is the root cause of the problem due to its lack of proper foresight in the planning process.

Now, with the inevitable delays that occur with major projects, ITD has been asked to help with some simple traffic modifications that could help the flow of traffic. Our Sandpoint City Council even drafted a request that ITD implement a series of adjustments to traffic lights, turning/stop requirements and an additional lane at the funnel on Fifth at the Chamber of Commerce.

ITD has only responded favorably on one instance, that being the light at Fifth and Cedar to a flashing stop at 10 p.m.

The frustration of drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists is heightened by the intransigence of ITD in their neglect of some simple fixes.

Mr. Banks and Mr. Keyes point out the obvious need to look at some immediate options. The Bee published a guest opinion by Tom Dillin sometime in the last year that addressed current and future road projects that bear discussion.

It would be a great service to the long-range interests of this entire region if a more comprehensive traffic plan were devised and put on a fast track.

Are we pawns in the argument that the state of Idaho needs the dollars generated by all of this truck traffic through town?

Sandpoint has too much potential to languish in the ITD limbo. By putting this issue back on the table as Mr. Keyes and Mr. Banks have done with their legitimate concerns, it pointedly highlights a weighing of the option of a comprehensive public transportation plan.

BARNEY BALLARD

Sandpoint