Posted 8 months, 15 days ago in 
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Eleven million dollars out of Colorado’s share of stimulus money will be spent on roundabouts at the Edwards interchange off I-70. This is according to the list of approved projects just released by the Colorado Transportation Commission. Why such a project was chosen out of the staggering needs for safety improvements on state highways is beyond belief.
Eleven million dollars would provide about 20 one-mile passing lanes on crowded rural roads, where congestion leads to drivers taking chances to pass, sometimes resulting in tragic accidents. Many state highways could benefit, instead of the isolated area at Edwards.
An excuse for this bad decision very likely will be, “These plans are ready to go to bid,” although the bidding date is not until December, 2009. By that date, all 20 passing lanes could easily be ready also. By prudently picking locations, no additional right of way would be required, grading would be minor, and drainage would consist of culvert extensions. High priority set by CDOT managers can make this happen.
If CDOT needs help picking locations, I would be happy to assist at no cost to taxpayers.
DICK PROSENCE
Meeker
One Response to “Stimulus money should be used to increase highway safety”
Posted March 10th, 2009 at 3:03 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
It is impossible to disagree with Mr. Prosence’s statement that monies could probably be better used. However, if the gentleman digs deeper into it, he may well find a local elected state official behind the appropriation of funds to this project.
It is always the same thing. Many call it “pork” but when comes the time for the distribution of funds, everyone wants their “fair share”, and with little or no regard as to whether the monies would be of more benefit to others.
Of course, next election cycle, the elected official will go before the voters and say “Vote for me again. Look at the money (pork) I got for you.”
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