stanwood tunnel project

February 28th, 2007

The South End, as always, is way out front on the region’s transportation issues. Take the Elger Bay Canal, the Big Dig. Fifty years ago we were advocating a series of locks and dams to connect Port Susan with Saratoga Passage, open up shipping thru the South End – South End ISLAND, I might add — to the Mainland from Langley, Greenbank, and Coupeville. Sure, it would’ve been costly, but in 1950 dollars, about what a Lot costs in Finnistere now.

But just because nobody listened to us THEN doesn’t mean we ain’t talking NOW. One thing about a South Ender, we don’t wait for an audience. As the Band has proved many a concert.

Today we have what some see as a problem—and the South End sees as an opportunity — at the Mark Clark Bottleneck Bridge. Two lanes squeezing thru the Sewage Flats of Stanwood, all cramming onto the Mark Clark, a 50’s bridge named after a WW2 general who almost, but not quite, lived here. If he’d cut a wider swath in the war, maybe we’d a built a wider bridge.

The South End Greater Metropolitan Economic Council –SEGMUCK— has not only a vision, but the solution. A tunnel, ladies and gentlemen, 6 lanes UNDER not only the Stillaguamish, but under all of Stanwoodopolis. Out of sight, out of mind. A win-win for the Camano commuter sick of big box grocery chains, dying strip malls, bad signage and the Twin City Foods Concrete Curtain. Sure it’s an engineering challenge. Sure it costs more. But in 2050 dollars probably what an apartment costs in Camano Condos.

Call Mary Margaret. Let’s grab that Seattle Viaduct money while they’re busy squabbling. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don’t make the mistake of the Elger Bay Canal. Build the Stanwood Bypass. Together we can dig our way home!!

Entry Filed under: deer in the headlights (concert commentary)