As driving gets worse, it inspires new verse
Published 9:00 pm Sunday, July 16, 2006
Last week’s ode about the struggle people have when parking caught Lorren Olsen’s attention.
The Marysville resident sent me this poem he recently penned about driving.
It’s called “Mayhem,” and it goes like this:
“When driving a car, why are we so angry, why so very mean? I thought we’re to be considerate, or has that become a dream?
“Tailgating and cutting folks off, just seem to be the norm. It makes no difference, time of day, midnight, noon or morn.
“Intimidation of others, seems to be the way that some find fun. Please don’t pay attention, they probably have a gun.
“The one-finger salute is used a lot, I think most of us agree. The same ones are on their cell phones, and are steering with their knee.
“Some must look beautiful as they drive their daily trips. They put on eyeliner, makeup, and, of course, put gloss upon their lips.
“The other gender shaves his beard, as he weaves on down the road. Some a bit tipsy, and could be carrying quite a load.
“The young ones drive rapidly, knowing they are bulletproof. The elders hold up everyone, while acting quite aloof.
“Don’t expect help from others, as you try to change a lane. They’ll crowd into the space you want, giving you a lot of pain.
“It even carries to the parking lot, as we note the rage and ire. They will rush to take the spot you want, as if driving to a fire.
“I’m sure there are good drivers, who abide by all the rules. When I drive, where are they? I only see the fools.
“What’s wrong? Do we all go nuts when we get behind the wheel? If we would be more tolerant, so much better we would feel.”
Question: I’m curious if there has been any investigation into the horrible roadwork done at the north end of Silver Lake.
After just over a month, there are a number of “dips” between 116th Street SE and 112th Street SE. One has been haphazardly patched (near Safeway), but will need to be replaced often.
I would like to know when more permanent repairs will be made and who will pay for it. As a taxpayer, I would expect a road to last longer than a month. I also want to know if the state will fine the contractor and award them more contracts in the future.
All levels of government keep complaining about not having enough transportation dollars. It’s a shame to have to waste more to fix a new road.
Jeff Hudson, Everett
Answer: We recently opened five newly widened lanes on Highway 527 between 132nd Street SE and 112th Street SE.
Since that time, yes, there have been several dips in the roadway. Although the dips are within the project limits, they are not related to the widening project.
Prior to paving that section of Highway 527, a local developer installed water and sewer pipes under the road. They worked closely with DOT to install these utility lines before it was paved.
The soil under the road has begun to settle, causing the dips.
DOT notified the property owner and its contractor about the problem. The property owner’s contractor will repair the road at their expense.
Travis Phelps, DOT spokesman
Have a question about traffic or street rules in Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. E-mail The Herald at stsmarts@ heraldnet.com.
