OP bridge no longer serves its purpose
Editor,
North Gate Bridge was, in the beginning, “iconic” – the gatehouse, the spherical lamps, the new wood. That is no longer so. Having lived here for 25 years, I have watched the bridge deteriorate: Gone is the gatehouse (most likely due to lack of use or rot), the lamps, the unmarred wood. In its place is an ugly, old bridge which no amount of flags or flowers can make look good – lipstick on a pig is still a pig!!!
The bridge should be replaced for the following reasons:
- It no longer has “curbside appeal” for newcomers looking to buy here or for us residents.
- By having only one lane leaving, it is an obstacle to fire trucks and ambulances. If cars are 8-10 deep waiting for the light, no way can the lead car know that an emergency vehicle is behind it and, therefore, pull over. There is no place to pull over on the bridge itself.
- Because the bridge is so narrow, hardly a month goes by that someone hasn’t bumped into it or the stonework. The sides are gouged out as if in a “bumper car” rink.
- When the part-timers arrive for summer and holidays, the back-up to exit can be 25 cars deep. It may take 2-3 cycles in order to exit. If there were two lanes, many could make their right turn without having to wait for those making left turns.
- It is impossible to see how this so-called icon can be compliant with the American Disabilities Act. The only wheelchair access is the narrow walkway.
It’s time to make the decision for a new bridge!
Ginger Sutula
Ocean Pines