Snow berms illogical

Downtown snow berms defy logic. Snow is plowed from streets for safety and to reduce traffic delays due to accidents and vehicles stuck in snow. It’s challenging removing snow in downtown; however, the snow berms are contrary to the reason for plowing.

On multiple-lane streets we lose one lane, increasing congestion. Access to driveways is cut off. Berms impede visibility and drivers have to make unsafe lane changes in intersections. Drivers caught on the wrong side of the berm have to travel farther to get to their destination. Then, the mind-boggling spreading of snow berms across already cleared lanes so the traffic can “melt” the remaining snow. This creates a hazard again and makes it difficult to drive.

Many times the remaining berm is still too deep to safely drive on. It’s counterintuitive to plow streets clear, then spread snow back over them. Yes, it is expensive to have the berms cleared as they are created, but this has to be a priority for safety of the motoring public and pedestrians, helping businesses by not creating roadblocks, and enhancing access for emergency vehicles. Common sense says the snow berm system we have today is ridiculous.

Chris Powell

Spokane