Question from teacher lady

I do NOT work at a factory I work at a school and I don't think that I am any better than anyone else. I do think that something should be done about the long wait at the intersection of Mayde Road and 595. I may not work at a factory, but I have and I really feel sorry for those people because they have to work 12 hour shifts and then sit in traffic forever in the afternoon. I am not griping, I am merely asking for something to be done about the traffic situation and I don't think that is too much to ask. One police officer for 30 minutes at a time (8:00-8:30am) and 3:00-3:30 in the afternoon.I deeply regret if I hurt that persons feelings by asking for a little help.

Steve Connelly answered:

I appreciate your frustration and concern for other motorists. Unfortunately, this is a situation that will call for patience. Fortunately, the bypass should be open by late summer and will give some relief.

The reason that police officers directing traffic will not help is that this area has a complicated traffic pattern. If traffic is stopped in favor of some motorists, it will tie up and back up several others. In addition, a backup extening over the railroad tracks could cause a tragedy.

City officials, several employers, including the school superintendent, and state traffic officials have met and discussed this area and the traffic bottle necks several times over the last three years. Various methods of relief from a stop light, to a police presence, to alternate temporary routes have been discussed and tried. None seems to help.

We hope the bypass will bring some needed relief soon.