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Summer is the season for road construction By
Rachel Marberger
Summer has brewed and stewed until its activities have reached a boiling point. The sizzle of the barbeque, the laughter and splash of pools, the rat-tat-tat of a jack hammer and the curse of road construction crews, ah the sounds of summer. A symphony of construction has erupted recently on the streets of Logan. Several days ago, I had first row seats to the production. I was late for work and only the speed of a Ford Aspire could save my job. I ran from my house jumped in my trusty steed, and blew through the first three stop signs which crossed my path. As I throttled past the last stop sign, the only traffic marker with power over me appeared-a barricade with the greeting "Road Closed". Six detours and half an hour later, I rolled into the Municipool parking lot. Fortunately, all the patrons were also late, they had taken time to hurl epithets at the foreman of the construction crew. The wisdom of cursing in the privacy of my own car as I motored from detour to detour saved my job. My experience is not unique, however, as Richard Andrus states, "I find confession a necessity after a trip to the store. Frankly, I feel Father Adams is a bit discouraged by my loss of control in traffic." While some opt for religious outlets others have found solace in entertainment. Tyler Hunt suggests keeping a tally of construction workers walking around doing nothing and "when the number reaches your age, treat yourself to some cold ones from LW's. I buy myself two or three each day, and I retire next month." Several other alternatives exist. Bicycles have always been fashionable. They are agile enough to slip through road barricades, and have enough get up and go to out distance the quickest construction worker. Cars limit sun tans to left forearms, but bikes allow for full body coverage. Often, a car's windshield brings bugs and vermin to a halt before a driver can enjoy their company, but bikes allow for intimate interaction between a riders face and spawning bugs on virtually every ride. If a bike seems a little too risque, other forms of transportation abound. Taxpayers have been dumping money into the LTD for several years, perhaps now is the time to make a return on that investment. Maybe the chance of catching a blood born pathogen, or an STD are greater on the LTD than a bathroom in most third world countries. So what. As Laura Jessop states, "I am familiar with the LTD. I say park the wheels and hitch a ride. The company is great, and it gives you a chance to get back to your middle school roots." Take Laura's advice, and save the stress of driving for the friendly LTD crew. If biking or the LTD can't help with the daily drive, try patience. This summer as thermometers and tempers soar, keep it all in perspective. Winter, snow plows, and blizzards are just around the corner, think of all the stress free driving that lies ahead. Oh and give your neighborhood construction crew the thumbs up next time you see them. Remember they had to drive to work too. --Rachel Marberger is a journalism and communication student at USU
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