Signs of the times show on highways

Editor,

As I have said before, I notice things, which is sometimes helpful and at other times not so helpful. In recent mornings as I drove to work, I notice lots of signs. It seems the construction is catching on up and down the valley. It has spread out of Polson and onward toward Pablo.

The other day I saw a man just putting up signs. There was no work going on , just signs telling us to slow down. Someone left a 35 mph sign out last week and even though there was no construction in sight, people obeyed the sign.

I counted over 20 signs within a mile stretch of road and felt extremely well cared for.

I'm always impressed by the big orange signs that say "Utility Work Ahead." I never see any actual workers, but maybe they plan on being there and just want to let us know. I also enjoy the signs that slow us down gradually as we approach the construction. You know, the ones that are 10 feet apart and you have to slam on your brakes to comply.

I enjoy signs. They keep me informed and alert. They keep us all safe and free from harm. I have wondered why we don't put up signs that say "No drinking alcohol" or "No underage drinking," or "Caution, drunks entering highway ahead," or "No getting killed on this road."

Signs are meant to inform, warn or tell us what to do when common sense is in question. Also, I couldn't help notice that the workers are putting asphalt down on Highway 35, but where 35 intersects with 93, there seems to be a four-foot drop from 93 to 35. I am not a picky person, but that seems a bit extreme to me. If there is a plan to smooth that out some, I would be all for it.

Occasionally I like to go to Wal-Mart and the idea of jumping my truck off a four-ft. jump does not trip my trigger. Will there be some sort of sign there? Maybe something saying "Caution, slight variation in road surface" or "Proceed with caution," of "Buckle up, it's the law."

I imagine there is a plan to bring the two roads to the same level, but one has to wonder sometimes if there is a plan or afterward someone just says, "Oh hell, just put up a sign right there." .

Chuck Ripley

Polson