Our voice: Somebody fix our roads
Eric Johnson
Issue date: 2/18/09 Section: Editorial
Have you driven on any of the Duluth streets recently? Some roads are almost impossible to drive on because of all the potholes and cracks.
We all know the Duluth streets have never been perfect by any stretch of the imagination.
Bumpy rides are definitely commonplace. In the last week or two, however, the shifts in temperature have caused several roads, such as Kenwood and parts of Woodland, to deteriorate beyond slight annoyance. They are downright hazardous.
For those of us that drive smaller cars, navigating these streets is like trying to work through an obstacle course. Except in this obstacle course the loser ends up with lost hubcaps or a bent axle or two.
Complaints about Duluth roads are nothing new. And those complaints have almost always been met with little action. Within the last couple weeks, however, the roads have gotten to the point where people can barely use them at all. We need a fix.
The problem, though, is the city of Duluth has always seemed to be more concerned about its image as a tourist destination, rather than its issues with infrastructure. Nobody will argue that Duluth is a beautiful city. With the lake, scenic areas and Canal Park, there are definitely plenty of nice areas to enjoy.
The rest of the city though-the parts that tourists don't venture into? Those are, shall we say, a little less maintained. Most of us would like to be able to drive to school, work or the grocery store without wondering whether we should have the number for a tow truck on speed dial.
The city seems less concerned.
Maybe they are hoping a little of the recently passed stimulus package will be sent to Duluth. It includes $787 billion in spending, after all.
Hmm. $787 billion? Yeah, that might fix the potholes.
We all know the Duluth streets have never been perfect by any stretch of the imagination.
Bumpy rides are definitely commonplace. In the last week or two, however, the shifts in temperature have caused several roads, such as Kenwood and parts of Woodland, to deteriorate beyond slight annoyance. They are downright hazardous.
For those of us that drive smaller cars, navigating these streets is like trying to work through an obstacle course. Except in this obstacle course the loser ends up with lost hubcaps or a bent axle or two.
Complaints about Duluth roads are nothing new. And those complaints have almost always been met with little action. Within the last couple weeks, however, the roads have gotten to the point where people can barely use them at all. We need a fix.
The problem, though, is the city of Duluth has always seemed to be more concerned about its image as a tourist destination, rather than its issues with infrastructure. Nobody will argue that Duluth is a beautiful city. With the lake, scenic areas and Canal Park, there are definitely plenty of nice areas to enjoy.
The rest of the city though-the parts that tourists don't venture into? Those are, shall we say, a little less maintained. Most of us would like to be able to drive to school, work or the grocery store without wondering whether we should have the number for a tow truck on speed dial.
The city seems less concerned.
Maybe they are hoping a little of the recently passed stimulus package will be sent to Duluth. It includes $787 billion in spending, after all.
Hmm. $787 billion? Yeah, that might fix the potholes.
Be the first to comment on this story