Having worked as an inspector for the Department of Transportation for 37 years, I read with a great deal of interest Mr Mickens’ article, “Two lane bridges are better, safer.” (TGI, Sept. 24). I completely agree with what he, Alvin
Having worked as an inspector for the Department of Transportation for 37 years, I read with a great deal of interest Mr Mickens’ article, “Two lane bridges are better, safer.” (TGI, Sept. 24).
I completely agree with what he, Alvin Takeshita and KPD Chief Lum said about the dangers of one lane bridges over two lane bridges. Let me give you some examples:
In August 1980 I was working on the Kuhio Highway Safety improvement project, Hanalei structure one, where police reported high accident rates. This was a cause for widening the one lane bridge to a two-lane bridge with metal guard rails leading to the bridge.
In August 1983 I was working at Kuhio Highway and Haena (structure two), and for safety improvements we reconstructed the one-lane bridge to a two-lane width bridge, installed guard rails approaching the bridge and installed reflector markers on approaches.
At one time, the Kamalu road bridge was one lane and the county had to build it to state standards to make it two lanes and raise it to its present height to keep storm waters from flooding it. And the dangerous one lane bridge on Kamalu is still in existence even though three young men went off that bridge and tragically drowned.
As the above three people plus my examples have factually pointed out, one-lane bridges are a hazard and two-lane bridges should take their place. There should never be any way that the historical importance (Section 106) of a bridge should override the safety of the driving public.
I well remember when Mayor Baptiste wanted the proposed one-lane bridges built two lane.
Pay attention, citizens, and see how your representatives are addressing these important issues. Election time is near.
Joe Rosa
Lihue
808-245-3016
