Troubles are not publicized enough

Regarding the Sunday article, “A chance for real change on U.S. 2:” The real reason U.S. 2 has been so dangerously neglected up until now is a lack of publicity, along with large amounts of publicity about other traffic trouble spots. Case in point, traffic accidents north of Marysville on I-5 are plastered all over the news, being highlighted by local news channels and making the front page of local newspapers.

However, for whatever reason, the problems on U.S. 2 are not nearly as well publicized. I live just north of Monroe and drive U.S. 2 west to Everett and east to Stevens Pass many times a year, but cannot recall any recent incident on U.S. 2. I do consider myself informed on the news about I-5 north of Marysville, a stretch of freeway I rarely drive.

Another reason for the neglect of U.S. 2 is the road’s very construction. U.S. 2 often closely follows the Skykomish River, and near Stevens Pass carves its path into the mountainside. These types of geographical features don’t lend well to road improvements such as more lanes and larger medians. There simply isn’t anywhere to put road improvements in some of the most dangerous spots.

I fully support any improvements made to U.S. 2, but think we should look for new ways to tackle these unique problems.

Kyle Ingersoll