Safety not a priority for ITD officials

In his recent letter (Sept. 6, 2007), Mr. Fury spoke of my wanting "some engineering society (probably based in California) to ride in and do a study."

Due to concerns that the proposed byway does not meet the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials guidelines for median separation and barriers I had asked the ITD director and board to complete an independent peer review, using the American Society of Civil Engineers methodology, to determine whether the byway design is consistent with best current practice for safety. ASCE was founded in 1852 and is highly respected as the definitive professional organization for civil engineers. Thus far, ITD has refused to consider this independent safety review.

In addition, I recently made a presentation to the ITD Board regarding the safety issues surrounding the byway. While they "talked the talk" in claiming that "safety will not be compromised," absolutely nothing has been done to address the concerns that were raised. Reflecting on my meeting with the board and numerous letters I have exchanged with ITD management on the subject it is clear that, at least for the byway project, ITD could not care less about highway safety.

I've recently spoken of the destructive nature of ITD's "win at any cost" approach to the byway project. Everyone should understand that these "costs" include the completely preventable violent deaths (i.e. head-on collisions) of our sons, daughters and grandchildren, should the byway be built to its current configuration. Such a shame.

STEVE POTTER

Sandpoint

Citizens for the

Sandpoint Tunnel