There are rules governing border road responsibilities, but fairness also plays a factor in the maintenance.
Q. Which county is responsible for West County Line Road? The road is in terrible shape for as much it is used. – Michael Byrd
A. The simple answer, Michael, is Whitley County, but of course nothing is simple when dealing with local governments.
You should know you are not the only one with this concern, as others have asked me whether there are plans to improve this county road.
Michael Barton, Whitley County highway director, said he has heard the concerns but added the county also would need the money for any improvement. To fix the 8 to 9 miles of road would likely cost millions of dollars to buy land, widen the road and add trails. In addition, he said the project could include leveling some hills.
“We can’t sacrifice the rest of Whitley County for one road,” he said.
The real problem, it seems, is the issue of fairness. While the road is technically Whitley County’s responsibility, Barton is quick to point out that 70 percent of its traffic comes from Allen County or other areas.
The good news is that Barton said he is talking with Allen County officials about a joint project that would be awarded some federal money. Unfortunately, there is no schedule on when, or if, that project will happen.
As with any project, you can try to help your cause by contacting your elected officials directly.
Talking for safety
I’m sure most of my readers saw the story about the National Transportation Safety Board recommending all mobile phone use be banned while driving. Much of the initial reaction I’ve heard is anger about over-regulation or, as The Journal Gazette’s Frank Gray noted, the impossibility of eliminating all distractions while driving.
One point I haven’t heard is the occasional need to talk on the phone to improve driver safety. While trekking to and from family in Ohio – Mrs. Sage often takes these multihour trips as an opportunity to nap – I can sometimes become tired. For others used to U.S. 30, you understand how visually unstimulating the drive can be.
Unfortunately, the Bears’ backup quarterback or the dulcet tones of Kenny Loggins aren’t always enough to keep me alert. For this reason, I often call family or friends to help stay focused.
Now I don’t do this in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions – sometimes even turning off the radio in bad storms – but in most instances the drive on rural highways is simple. These calls help perk me up and finish the drives safely and awake.
Radio sage
This week’s bonus audio question comes from Paul Saalfield of Fort Wayne regarding the intersection of Coldwater and Union Chapel roads. The segment originally aired Friday afternoon and can be heard online at www.journalgazette.net/roadsage
