[Vision2020] ITD workshops today n tomorrow

[david sarff]

The findings of the first Moscow transportation study (out of three 
recommended), regarding a by-pass, are that Moscow does not need a by-pass 
that meets "federal design" standards. Moscow is about to receive a 
"federally designed" highway from the South.  In my mind there are some 
considerable incongruences in promoting relief of traffic by designing the 
highway to federal standards and relief of traffic for the city via a 
locally controlled by-pass or Ring Road, or what ever term one chooses to 
purposely exclude the Fed. If we don't need one, we don't need the other. 
With a new highway, built to Federal standards, a by-pass likely will come, 
built to these same standards. If the present concept of "ring road system" 
is put into place before that time, these new approaches of US 95 into 
Moscow need increased scrutiny now. The choices for the highway are to go 
east or west of the present route, or to improve the existing route.  
Residents need to seriously consider how this forthcoming highway will tie 
into a future by-pass built to the same standards as the highway.  The 
furthest extremes of routing East or West will influence, if not altogether 
lock in, the application of a future outcome.  Please come to the workshops 
for routing US 95 at the eastside marketplace Wed. and Thurs. 19th-20th  
sessions from 1-4 pm and 5:30-8:30 and take part in the decision making 
process.