Another view on bypass
To the editor:
Regarding consideration of an upcoming vote on a bypass — whether completely or partially — for Waycross, I would like to offer a couple of observations.
If the proposed bypass was going by my front or back door, I can understand some of the dissenting comments being made.
However, I believe the Department of Transportation (DOT) needs to consider that all semitrucks 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’ve 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 Georgia State Patrol stopped us in Kingsland because US 1 was backed up from Kingsland to Folkston and from Waycross past Folkston past the Georgia-Florida line.
We went north on US 17 to US 82 at Brunswick. US 82 was backed up from Brunswick to Waycross. 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.
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
The Waycross Journal- Herald welcomes letters on any subject. Letters should be limited to 300 words, contain contact information of the writer and emailed to [email protected].
