This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
Roundabout confusion
A problem with the Highway 2 roundabout - imagine that. Guess what, WSDOT? That’s a problem with all roundabouts; however, your studies argue this point. And now Al Gilson’s solution is to re-educate drivers. Good luck with that!
When this roundabout was in the works I spoke with Al Gilson personally and also contacted several additional official offices. I stated my concerns to them, the main one being that Highway 2 is a major highway and they were taking this busy four-lane highway and putting in a “choke point.” Also, the fact that it was just down the road from Fairchild Air Force Base. If there was a major emergency at the base it would create a huge problem.
Al Gilson’s answer to me was “it’s a done deal” and it was going in.
So now you have a roundabout paid for by the casino, that feeds into the casino and is causing issues that Al Gilson states are an operational issue with driver behavior. Trying to re-educate drivers is like putting a Band-Aid on something that shouldn’t be there in the first place.
Jack Giddens
Spokane