Road-construction problems show lack of supervision, expertise

Editor:

Michael Hogue's complaint about roadwork is deserving of sympathy and some responsible action, even if only half of it is true (letter, Roadwork, rain leaves home inundated with "waves of mud, June 22). My complaint pales in comparison.

Across Highway 221 from Carriage Lane is a section of ditch about 200 feet long containing several inches of water. This section is between two dirt roads. Several months ago the pipes under the roads were stopped up, so I phoned the county health department. The pipes were soon cleaned out, but the water remained.

I then phoned the state highway department, and was referred to county roads and bridges. From an engineering background, I explained the problem and suggested the simple solution: A high point needs to be built up halfway between the two roads because the highway ditch slopes one way toward Harlem and the opposite way toward Pumpkin Center.

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The county person referred me back to the state until I explained having just been there by phone. Equipment has since been used to clean and neatly round out the ditch. It remains flat with standing water.

Our problem is lack of proper engineering and supervision of those who perform the work.

Wheldon Hair

Harlem