Timing just not right

Dear INDOT,

Give us a week.

Reshuffle your schedule and give us a week.

Please.

Much as we appreciate the idea of improvements to U.S. 27 through Portland, everybody would be better off if the project took place seven days later.

That's because your current plans are to begin the work on Tuesday, Aug. 25, while the 44th annual Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association begins its show at the Jay County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

You may have heard of the engine and tractor show. Every August it draws tens of thousands of visitors to the county. During its run, Portland's population more than doubles. Traffic doubles as well.

We know, you're planning to do the U.S. 27 project at night, working from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for four or five nights on a stretch that's more than 2.5 miles long and runs through the middle of the central business district.

In a normal week, that might work.

But next week will be far from normal.

That's why we're asking you to show the sort of flexibility and creativity Gov. Daniels likes to boast about.

You don't want folks to think you're just a bunch of hidebound, inflexible bureaucrats insulated from public opinion, do you?

We didn't think so.

You don't want folks to think INDOT planners operate in a vacuum with no concern about the lives of ordinary Hoosiers.

We didn't think so.

You don't want to just blow off this request with a form letter saying INDOT's plans take precedence over good sense.

We sure as heck hope not.

A little flexibility - just a week will do it - will make the Daniels administration look good.

And it will make it easier for the Jay County community to play host to guests from all over the world.

Give us a week, and we'll put in a good word for you.

We'll be waiting eagerly for your response.- J.R.[[In-content Ad]]