By: Helen Chase
I know I may not be in the majority, but I do know that many people agree with me. We are a little town with a terrible traffic problem.
The construction has been a good thing and I know a circumvent is not possible with our physical layout. However, we are not longer a tiny town that can boast one light. When the light went up at Sturgeon, we all thought it was going to be an inconvenience, but it is short and barely noticed.
While the middle lane helps with turning into laces and sometimes turning left out of places, it is an accident waiting to happen, especially to older and young drivers.
Why do the powers in charge feel we shouldn’t have lights? I know truck hate to stop and tourists hate to stop on their way to destinations other than Bonners Ferry. However, this is our town, truckers and tourists have to stop in other towns for lights and they manage to fight to get onto the highway and especially to make a left turn. Three lights along US 95 would be a blessing to those whose town this is.
I know this editorial will accomplish nothing but please note, whoever you are that oppose lights, your residents are paying the price to be a small town with minimal lights. We are no longer that small and we will continue to grow whether we like it or now. Please consider our safety and sanity.
Helen Chase
I agree . It’s a mess getting on to hiway on south hill. Turn lanes are great if you can get on hiway
Please remember that we can’t have anonymous posts. If could you sign with your name or email, that would be great. Thanks! Katie
I have lived in Naples for thirty years and no turn lanes off a highway that is 60 mph is just as bad. The new people to town are so excited to not be stuck in hours of traffic and they have no real clue about driving conditions in our county. Hopefully someone in the traffic and highway division will come up this way and notice that something needs to be different!
Hey! Please make sure you’re signing your name. We can’t have anonymous postings…Thanks!
Katie
You are exactly right Helen!!! I have lived here all my life and it has never been so bad and will only get worse. One has to almost cause an accident to get out on the road. We had a light at Anderson lane that helped a lot but the people with wisdom decided to move it. Expect to see more accidents in town!
The comments regarding stop lights are appreciated. I’d like to add one more observation. Recently I drove the length of US 95. As I passed through many a small town the speed limit was reduced to 25 mph. That is significant for two reasons. One is that it hits the “sweet spot” for efficient traffic movement. It allows drivers on cross streets to make left turns without significantly slowing down highway traffic. The other relates to the laws of physics. The risk of serious injury or death increases exponentially with speed.
Recently the speed limits for Hwy 2 heading east from Three Mile were lowered to 45 mph up to milepost 66. It has made a difference.