Let's bypass the Milford bypass

On WBOC-TV recently, there was a story about a bypass being requested for the Del. 1 area around the outskirts of Milford. Our funds are low and, if every time there are accidents, we build overpasses, there will be no local businesses — they will all be bypassed. Many times, as I have traveled the main highways and byways in the United States, I have come to places where the speed limit is dropped to compensate for businesses, residences and people going about their everyday lives. There are yellow caution lights flashing — warnings of lower speed limits — and tickets if not obeyed. So, in our tight economy, let us think of that for an option. We are talking about a quarter- to half-a-mile area that the speed limit could be lowered, caution lights be maintained, and police presence for tickets if drivers can’t slow down. Some would say we don’t want to inconvenience the beach travelers, but I think a slower pace going through the area might alleviate the hours of tied-up of traffic in the event there is an accident. I heard there were 39 accidents there in a three-year period. So, alerting travelers that there is a “local traffic area ahead” — speed limit lowering — with yellow caution lights should be sufficient. This allows the businesses along that area (there may only be a couple), but they would not be affected … actually, if people slow down and look around a bit, we may get a few more tax dollars on the trip. I don’t understand the thinking of people that move to our “slower-paced world” because they want to avoid the hustle and bustle — only to try to change our slower-pace world to their “left behind” hustle and bustle. Save some money — put in caution lights — lower the speed limit — and allow monitoring by the safety officials.

Sue Grove Harrington