Traffic circles not meant for highway

Oh, Good Lord, here we go again. (Friday article, “Roundabouts proposed for 172nd Street in Arlington”). Just a few years ago, the location was the Stanwood northbound exit off I-5 — all the state could tout was “roundabouts will solve the congestion at these two (underline, bold and italicize the word two) bottlenecks!” That joke got vetoed and a fairly smooth traffic light situation exists at that exit now.

Fast forward to present day. The state, in its infinite wisdom, and probably because it failed to win in Stanwood, proposes to install five (underline, bold and italicize the word five) roundabouts on 172nd Street NE in Arlington. What?? And the worst part is that it seems the only money available is to do the work at Highway 9. This calls for another “What??” On a major highway?

Of course, politicians have to voice their opinions as well, as does Arlington City Councilman Steve Baker. That was a nice touch, Steve, comparing your constituents with sheep, not to mention the fact that it would probably be the “elderly” drivers that would object. Plus, it was reported that Councilman Baker’s thought that the roundabout at Highway 9 and 172nd “should slow people down at the high school,” I question the point — Baker must not have had his geography hat on that day — the intersections are only a mile apart — that ought to really slow people down.

Once again, all I can do is shake my head in amazement.

Alan Young

Arlington