We've all been warned about the delays we can expect due to the construction project on the Hood River Toll Bridge. Unfortunately, that doesn't make it any easier to swallow. Those who have used the bridge in recent days know the delays can be long, and getting caught on the bridge for 20 minutes at a time is not at all fun. It's going to feel even worse when it gets really hot later this summer.
But the work is probably essential, and it has to get done. So the 20-minute delays and the full overnight closures are just something users of the bridge -- the Port of Hood River's faithful customers -- will be forced to deal with.
On the other hand, the Port of Hood River, which owns the span, should consider a simple way to take some of the sting out of the backups the construction is creating: Stop taking tolls when there are waits related to the construction work. This would be a lofty gesture to the many motorists who have no choice but to use the bridge. It would go a long way to cool the dissatisfaction drivers now face, where we're having to pay for the right to sit on the bridge and wait ... and wait.
As it is, having to pay a toll after getting stuck on the bridge for 20 minutes or so is truly putting salt in the wound. It's greedy.
Further, dropping the toll-taking would help resolve a key safety issue: When the bridge gets jammed with cars, there is nowhere for vehicles coming off Interstate 84 to go. The on-ramp leading to the bridge often overflows, and sometimes backs up all the way onto the highway. Traffic flows are impacted far beyond the bridge itself, sometimes creating snarls way up at Tum-a-Lum Lumber.
In a June 25 press release, Port officials conceded that the traffic jams are especially acute at the south end of the bridge: "Motorists should note that most redecking work is currently focused on the bridge's south end," it read. "This is adding to traffic congestion at Oregon traffic intersections leading to the structure, and motorists should plan for extra delays."
Right. How do you plan for the delays? Bring a book to read?
Of course, traffic over the bridge would move a bit quicker if cars did not have to stop to hand over those tolls.
The Port of Hood River ought to do its part to smooth the headache this project is causing: Suspend the toll-taking when the construction crews are working. Make a nice gesture. Share the burden. It's not a lot to ask for under the circumstances.
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