I was driving home last night from Virginia on Interstate 95. I was listening to a little country music and thinking about what to eat for dinner. I wasn't really paying too much attention the the condition of the road. I got onto 495 with no delays (imagine that!) and continued traveling homeward. Somewhere in my brain it must have registered that the roads were not in the best of shape; that the placement and number of signs was less than adequate; that the route was not as comfy as it could be. When I crossed over into Maryland I noticed a smoothness in the road. The lanes seemed wider and better lit. I felt more comfortable. Kind of like that episode of Seinfeld when Kramer paints the lane lines making the 4 lane highway a 3 laner.
The rest of the way on 495, through 95 and into 695 I noticed the roads were in great shape. How fortunate we are to have such a pleasant driving surface. Notice I didn't say pleasant driving experience because the traffic here sucks and no amount of smooth pavement makes that any more bearable. But I think I take for granted this asset and don't really give credit to our State Highway Administration. But hey, here goes, nice job SHA! (By the way, I used to think the SHA Garage signs on the side of the road had something to do with Iran - maybe where the Shah parked his car and I could never figure out why he would park here or need so many garages - but that was a long time ago).
I've always known that our roads were superior to those in PA but I'm wondering now if our roads are superior to all state's. Are we merely sandwiched between to poorly paved states. No, I don't think so. As I ponder this, I think of my trips north to New York and traveling in New Jersey. Those roads are horrible. I'm trying to remember what it's like down south and I do think we've got a leg up on North Carolina too.
So the next time you want to complain about the taxes we pay here in Maryland, take a drive in Virgina or PA and let me know how you feel.
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3 comments:
Based on what James just experienced on his cross-country drive, I think you're right. He was astounded at how many huge potholes he encountered all across the country, and mentioned that once he got into Maryland, things got much better.
Susan and I constantly marvel at how wonderfully our tax dollars were spent in Maryland. The roads there are better than any other state I've seen. And things seem to work well there. You know, just "things," working well. It's mostly them great two-laners, always in great shape, they are, and well painted.
Also, PA roads are terrible. The turnpike is a stressful drive for any length. What PA rocks at is snow removal and road treatment. It could be dumping snow in Johnstown, which it does nearly every day, and I could drive 20 miles to work most days in my tiny Insight.
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