LETTER: Think about the extra minutes that are saved

By Betty Dlouhy/Fremont
Friday, Jan 11, 2008 - 11:21:55 am CST

Since most of the comments in your paper are against the proposed viaduct on 23rd Street, I would like to state my opinion.

We have lived in Washington Heights for 17 years. There have been countless times that I have been late for work, doctors appointments, dentists appointment, etc., because of stopped trains.

I have always made it a point to be at work at least 10 minutes or more ahead of my scheduled work time. Still, when you sit sometimes up to 20 minutes for a train or go around and over the viaduct by Sapp Bros. or take Airport Road down to Military Avenue and come back, it takes time.

What about truck drivers and out of town drivers who don’t know of any other way around? They just have to sit and wait.

Appointments and being late to work are still minor compared to lives and precious time lost when an ambulance comes in on Highway 30. Those extra minutes mean a lot to someone having a heart attack or someone bleeding to death because of a car accident.

Two years ago, I had a small child have an accidental fall at my house. He stopped breathing and I held a lifeless child in my arms. The Lord was with us that night and there were no trains blocking 23rd Street.

The ambulance and firemen made it to our house in time to prevent brain injury from loss of oxygen and revived the child.

What do you suppose would have happened if they would have had to go down to Military Avenue and come all the way back?

This is only one example of numerous emergencies that have happened west of town or in the Washington Heights area.

If the only way that the viaduct will come in is to close Linden crossing, what is a little inconvenience compared to human lives being lost or homes lost to fires?

Please voters, stop a minute and think.

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I know?
Jan 11, 2008 2:55 PM
I feel for you holding a lifeless child no one should have to experience that ever! I totally agree but by closing Linden that is what they are asking the people in Davenport the State Lakes possibly etc.. to do.. So what do you suppose would happen if the EMS has to go to the viaduct to get to Davenport? We need Linden open. Maybe Fremont can pay the difference to off set the cost to have the viaduct and Linden Street.
Then everyone COULD be happy. And make the trains stop outside Fremont by their other viaduct!!
JAK
Jan 11, 2008 3:43 PM
I agree with Betty. The facts are very well stated and it's not about one residental development over another. It's about lives being saved in emergency situations. People need to realize the traffic that comes off the bypass into our town. They don't know the "shortcuts" around the train. I, too, wish Linden would stay open, however, if it's the law then I guess I have to look at the big picture and I hope you will, too.
Nick
Jan 11, 2008 4:44 PM
Very well said Betty. I could not agree more! It is a safety issue, no doubt!
Lance
Jan 11, 2008 5:39 PM
So what about the same situation happening in the Davenport area right off of Linden? Is the extra time to drive all the way up to the overpass or down to the Military crossing still going to give that child enough time? I don't think as many people are against the building of the viaduct, I think they are against closing the Linden Street crossing. It should not be a requirement to get the overpass built.
JW
Jan 12, 2008 1:24 PM
Welcome to our world. They have effectively cut the people living east of the bypass on Old Hwy 8 off from the city. They weren't too concerned about our concerns. They gave us a dirt road to drive on at 45mph and choke on the dust as we watch cars drive by next to us(30ft away)at 60mph. Picture an ambulance coming down that dirt road. They closed off our road in November, tore up the intersection so it couldn't be used, and there it has set since then. Nothing will be done most likely until spring. What was the point? Go to the meetings, voice your opinions and concerns regarding safety, and sit back and watch them do what they want. I'm sorry, that's the way it is. But remember next time elections come up, you have the right to un-elect these people who are SUPPOSE to represent you. Don't vote for them.
Wow
Jan 12, 2008 3:55 PM
For those concerned with people visiting our town and their safety not knowing about the Hwy 77 overpass, here is an idea.... Put up signs on the Hwy that say "Hospital" and direct them to stay on Hwy 30 to the 77 intersection. Many major cities have these signs on the highways directing people how to get to the hospitals in those cities. Those coming from the west looking for emergency care are most likely coming in from the highway.
LM
Jan 12, 2008 4:16 PM
I still want more info on closing Linden Ave. Did I read its the law if it is over or 1/2 mile away?? Law or wishes of the RR?? also just how far away is Main Street from the Broad St
viaduct??? What is the harm in leaving Linden open and if need WHEN would the cross walk for kids to attend Linden School be built????? Also sounds like we need MORE cooperation from the RR as always when they are blocking a crossing.