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Spending tax dollars wisely

Published on 2010-06-02 by in News, Saint John Politics

There was a great Letter to the Editor in today’s Telegraph-Journal:

Spending tax dollars wisely

I am very disappointed in the Liberals’ plan to spend $30 million to add an extra lane along the MacKay Highway.

Adding an extra lane only increases the size of the funnel and does not get commuters to work any faster or safer.

After already expending millions on new commuter buses for the valley and on infrastructure to encourage fewer vehicles on the road and alleviate the stress on Saint John’s road system, this move counters the dollars spent to improve our environment.

My suggestion would be, in partnership with Saint John, to use that money to repair and upgrade streets within the city that are under tremendous stress from the number of commuters traveling in from the valley.

This would encourage commuters to use the bus system; improve the road system; and provide much-needed funding to Saint John as compensation for the heavy use by commuters.

I recommend this only be done with some very tight strings attached to ensure the municipal politicians spend the money correctly.

JOHN CAMPBELL

Saint John

I completely agree with John’s comment and suggestion.

This is a complete waste of money on a highway that is only busy during the morning and evening rush hour.

Adding another lane?  It will still be busy during those key times – and it will be just as fast and unsafe.

This money is needed much more inside the city on existing road upgrades and maintenance!

 
3 Comments  comments 
  • Mirko

    Written from the perspective of someone that does not drive the highway twice a day. So self serving.

  • http://saintjohnshawn.com Shawn

    I actually drive the highway twice a day as well.

    I get on the highway at the end of Rothesay Avenue heading West.

    I have to fight through the heavy KV traffic that backs up on the “Chesley Dr” exit before I can get off the first exit after the Harbour Bridge.

    Heading home at the end of the day is the same thing.

    Extra lanes are nice; but, the roads off the highway are in much worse shape – and that is where the money is needed.

  • Mirko Crevatin

    There are accidents at the Fox Farm exit so frequently it’s dangerous. After Rothesay Ave it calms down as many exit there. The highest conjestion is between the Rothesay onramps and the Rothesay Ave off ramps and, my understanding, that is the part being upgraded.

    I’m not sure how you know specifically it’s the KV traffic at Chesley Drive. It could be anyone that lives east, not just us evil KVers.

    A matter of safety is what the highway expansion is about and it’s a provincial responsibility. City roads are a municipal responsibility and need to be handled by the municipality as is the case anywhere else.

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