In a recent government meeting, residents of Lake Cavanaugh expressed growing frustration over the prolonged closure of the North Shore Road, which has been out of service for three years. Local resident Lorita highlighted the county's responsibility for maintaining the road, acquired nearly a century ago, and urged officials to prioritize its replacement. She emphasized the need for a solution to restore the 685 feet of roadway, suggesting that pride of ownership should extend to public infrastructure.
Lorita also mentioned ongoing discussions about potential replacement proposals, including innovative ideas that could be more cost-effective than previous suggestions. Her commitment to advocating for the road's restoration was clear, as she pledged to continue her efforts until a viable solution is found.
In a separate discussion, Steve Orsini from Guimas Island raised concerns about a proposed toll booth at the Anacortes ferry dock. He argued that the toll booth would create significant bottlenecks, limiting the number of vehicles that could be processed and complicating traffic flow. Orsini referenced a study from the University of Washington that highlighted similar issues at other ferry systems, warning that the toll booth could exacerbate existing problems.
He also pointed out that the proposed location of the toll booth would interfere with plans for an ADA-accessible bus turnaround, which is crucial for future public transportation services on Guimas Island. Orsini concluded by advocating for a more efficient ticketing system that would not require passengers to exit their vehicles, emphasizing the need for a solution that accommodates both ferry operations and public transit accessibility.
The discussions reflect ongoing community concerns regarding infrastructure maintenance and transportation efficiency, highlighting the need for timely government action to address these issues.