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Saturday, September 5, 2015

Road Construction

In considering investments, you often receive advice that begins with "over the long run your returns should average".  Well if you think about it, the long run isn't guaranteed, especially as you get older.  "Over the long run, the flow of traffic should improve.  But in the short run, we need to do new construction and repair."  Well, I have been delayed and inconvenienced for years by interstate and major road construction that seems to be endless, and have noticed very little change in actual travel time on those few projects that have been completed. The time I've got left to enjoy these improvements is dwindling.   What's going on here?

Let's take the Grandview triangle for example.  Does anyone traveling east at rush hour think things have improved?  I am betting when construction on I 435 is finished, I will notice little if any change going to Olathe or Lawrence.  But I am paying a heavy price in reduced times and driving safety and convenience to these destinations now, and have been for some time.

Maybe at some point we should start thinking of other solutions to traffic congestion.  How about staggered work hours?  What about using computer and internet technology to have remote worksites close to home?  What about efficient public transportation such as rail?

It seems to me a great waste of time and money to constantly be building new and improved roads.  Especially if there is no end to the construction. And who is tinkering with the stop lights?  What is the purpose of those flashing yellow arrows?  I guess no one knew to watch out for oncoming traffic before turning left.  Perhaps more dialogue at the public policy level is necessary.  It seems to me somebody has too much time and money on their hands.