I remember when it took a half hour to cross through Portland from Vancouver. Interstate 5 was new and there were fewer drivers. Now, with everyone wanting to drive their own car, we have a problem.
Some good ideas on traffic congestion have been presented in recent days. I’ve heard talk of a plan to relieve traffic with new access from U.S. Highway 26 to I-5, and U.S. Highway 30 to Highway 26. Connect these with a new bridge in the Ridgefield area from I-5 and you will remove as much as 50 percent of the present traffic on the I-5 and I-205 corridor.
A good master plan agreed to by both Washington and Oregon including a very large increase of mass transit covering all areas will justify the possible road toll which can easily pay for such expansions.
Any kind of expansion in today’s world will be expensive and if the road tolls are used correctly it will be worth it. The old saying, “you get what you pay for,” really applies.
Contact your senators and representatives with your ideas on how this ever-growing problem can be solved. They are the ones with the big money behind any progress.
