"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
If you've ever driven U.S. 74 through Monroe, you know how congested it can be.
Recently, federal approval was given for a Monroe Connector-Bypass.
This new toll road will circumvent Highway 74, already a bypass for "Old Charlotte Highway" in Monroe.
The 20-mile highway will cost between $750 and $825 million.
Viewer Lynn Williams speaks out with a great point:
"It's unbelievable that they are going to build a bypass around Monroe…disrupting homes and businesses when the trucking companies are already using Highway 218…as a bypass. The state should widen and four-lane Highway 218….(This) would have a minimum impact and probably cost much less in land acquisition and construction."
Lynn, you may be right. Are we making the best use of assets already in existence?
It's past the time for state and local governments to take a hard look at how land is developed.
Shelby, for example, suffering from sprawling growth along U.S. 74 in Cleveland County, now wants a new Bypass – at taxpayer expense.
As a growing community, we'll continue to need new and improved roads.
But there's only so much room to build bypasses.
Urge your local and state leaders to make wise decisions about development.
Speak Out, and you can make a difference.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
