Deplorable conditions need immediate fixing

Returning home from a trip out of state on Wednesday, we found ourselves really discouraged at the deplorable driving conditions on U.S. 2, especially from Leavenworth west to Monroe. The last two winters have been particularly harsh on this highway and I suspect increased usage due to landslides on I-90 in 2005-2006 took their toll as well on U.S. 2.

With increased and planned increases in population and commercial endeavors in many communities in Snohomish, Monroe, Sultan, Gold Bar and other communities along U.S. 2, much heavier usage of this major highway by individual and commercial vehicles will continue.

The 44th death on U.S. 2 since 1991, shortly after we drove through the area east of Monroe, was even more disheartening. The time has come to do more for U.S. 2. The communities along U.S. 2, the citizens and visitors of this state deserve better driving conditions. Center lane stripping by 2009 is far too little ! I cannot believe the neglect from both the state and federal governments in taking care of this major highway that connects Eastern and Western Washington and is an alternate for I-90.

Bonnie and Bob Ahlstedt

Monroe

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