Letter to the Editor: Temporary jolt of common sense tossed aside so childish bickering could begin anew

A couple of weeks ago, MRN published an excellent editorial regarding the on-again off-again roundabout project for 48^th and State. The entire debacle was an example of our so-called community leadership reducing themselves to engaging in a political pissing contest with the county. It gave the appearance that the contest was a higher priority than public safety and lives.

Then suddenly, a flash of common sense seemed to have struck the council, and the roundabout was approved. I was, frankly, amazed but thankful.

But not so fast, Charlie Brown!

It seems the temporary jolt of common sense experienced by the aldermen was tossed aside so the childish bickering could begin anew.

I participated in talks about solutions for the part of 48^th Street between State and Harrison at least 15 years ago. At the time, the foremost solution called for roundabouts at State and 48^th and Harrison and 48^th, as well as shoulder improvements between those roundabouts to facilitate safer walking and bicycling. At the time, there were even plans drawn to show what the area would look like after completion.

And much like the current situation, as soon as stakeholders, officials and engineers met and solutions were agreed upon, plans were drawn up for approval — then filed in a drawer somewhere never to be seen again. I used to travel to this area sometimes multiple times daily and still do regularly. As time goes by, with continued inaction by our elected representatives to correct a dangerous and unsafe situation, my concerns continue to grow.

Between 48^th and 36^th Streets on Harrison are two churches and an elementary school, two of which are recent additions to the area, and a significant number of residential neighborhoods. Add the main campus for John Wood Community College to the mix, and it’s plain to see how foot and vehicle traffic has increased exponentially as it has grown.

Traffic approaching Harrison on 48^th Street from the south is often moving well in excess of the speed limit, often 60 MPH or more. Traffic moving south on 48^th from State often approaches similar speeds. The traffic volume and speeds as well as numerous vehicles entering and exiting school and private driveways, combined with traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles, are a deadly recipe for disaster.

Do we really need a fatality to occur before action is taken to improve safety on 48^th Street?

A final comment: The Quincy City Council may want to consider is that by engaging in this public debacle, they’ve made it clear they are aware of safety issues and concerns in the area and chose to continue their history of inaction.

I’m not an attorney, but I own and operate a consulting firm whose business is analyzing and reconstructing traffic accidents, creating reports, assigning fault and testifying to same in depositions and courtrooms. It’s not at all uncommon for streets or highways to be found as having a major contributory part in an accident. Once that happens, the attorneys name the responsible entity in a legal action, with the end result being the taxpayers wind up with a huge check to write.

Kind of reminds me of the old “pay me now or pay me later” maxim. The council needs to decide whether to pay a known and reasonable amount for safety improvements that would contribute to public safety now, or wait and pay a potentially catastrophic amount later after a fatality occurs and legal action is brought on.

To the representatives responsible for approving and implementing the necessary improvements, just stop the childish finger pointing, indifference and inaction. Step up and do your part to get this dangerous situation improved with a combination of traffic circle(s), shoulder improvements and reduced speed limits.

Don Hess
Quincy, Illinois