Editor, The Times:
I see that the public meeting for the roundabout has been postponed indefinitely. It would be nice to know the purpose of the postponement.
Ideas that cross my mind are:
1. They want to get much further along and be able to put it to the taxpayers that it is a fait accompli, in order to avoid further conflict.
2. Orders from Victoria have put a hold on the project due to budget cuts. It could even get lost in the great sea of cancelled projects. In the grand scheme of things, this is just a little project, but all pennies count when politicians are looking for dollars for projects close to their heart, like annual raises, more travel expenses, etc. It could also be a project that, if cancelled, would not upset very many voters.
3. A while ago I wrote about studies being done by large trucking companies using various routes to deliver goods. It seems a least some readers are not aware that virtually every large scale trucking company has logistical people that study potential routes for their trucks to use. Decisions are based on time, economics, safety, and the like, as well as increases in business in other areas. This is always an ongoing requirement.
4. One of the long term trailer haulers has just had an increase in business and has started using this route for additional hauls. Now, instead of three trailers per day, they are currently shipping seven through Clearwater. I went and counted them to be sure. Seven units requires seven drivers, perhaps 14 if they are going to sleep en route. They also require seven pilot cars and the additional seven or 14 drivers for them. Unless they have secured other business, all rigs and pilot cars have to return as well, so that potentially doubles the traffic for just one company.
5. When a friend and I were driving the highway south of Clearwater the other day, a very large semi came speeding around the corner and tried to turn too sharply for his speed and as a result, the trailer tipped up onto one wheel and only by sharply turning into the oncoming lane did he manage to get all wheels back on the ground. We had to pull right over off the pavement on our side to avoid an accident. In addition to this we are all saddened by the fatal accident in the immediate same area. This further makes the case that Highways needs to fix our known problems before embarking on a fantasy operation. Guard rails there may have saved lives. Proper planning and installation at the Wells Gray intersection will save lives.
Chuck Emery
Clearwater, B.C.