Editor, The Times: I wrote a letter to the editor earlier this year regarding the upcoming Waycross By-Pass issue. I would like to restate some of the original letter with a few more comments because this by-pass is truly needed around Waycross.
I've read some of the comments of the elected officials concerning this issue. At times, there are things more important than just being concerned about being re-elected. This is one of these times. A by-pass should have been approved years ago. We can't let individual feelings stop something like this. It is too important to let this happen again.
Regarding consideration of this upcoming vote on a by-pass in Ware and Brantley Counties (whether completely or partially) of Waycross, I would like to offer a couple of observations.
I believe the Department of Transportation (DOT) needs to consider that all semi-trucks do not need to pass thru downtown Waycross, as they presently do.
More importantly, and I believe the most critical aspect for the DOT to consider, is that Waycross is a direct evacuation route in the case of a major hurricane on the East coast of Florida and South East Georgia.
I have experienced such a situation. Years ago, my wife and I were living in St. Marys, when a mandatory evacuation was declared for Camden County due to Hurricane Floyd. It normally takes about one hour and 15 minutes to drive from St. Marys to Waycross. It took us over eight hours that day due to traffic backed up on US-1 from Folkston and US-82 from Brunswick.
Let me explain. We left St. Marys headed to Folkston. The State Patrol stopped us in Kingsland because US-1 was backed up from Folkston to Kingsland and from Waycross past Folkston past the GA/FL line.
We went north on US-17 to US-82 at Brunswick. US-82 was backed up from Waycross to Brunswick. Both US-1 and US-82 come together at the traffic lights in Waycross. Since the traffic was stop-and-go all the way, we saw vehicles alongside the highway, hoods up because engines were overheating and also because some were out of gas (not expecting such long waits).
Consider also, there were no comfort stations (public restroom facilities primarily or water fountains) and many, like us, were en route with beloved pets, who likewise had needs. And what a grueling trip for families with young children and/or elderly parents! And what about the handicapped? As ablebodied people (and thankful to God to be so), we take so much for granted.
I truly believe the DOT should definitely consider this as a top priority. Time is of the essence and lives are at stake.
Warren Beagle Waycross
