Higher temperatures the past week have given us a glimpse into the long-awaited summer-like conditions that will eventually descend upon the Semiahmoo Peninsula and elsewhere across the province.
With the warmer weather comes the ability and opportunity for city crews to get out there and begin the laborious process of patching up roadways, some of which are still riddled with potholes after a cold winter and wet spring – deterioration that is expected, considering the heavy volume of traffic that travels on them, especially heavy construction vehicles.
Across the Lower Mainland, work is already underway in a number of spots – daily commuters have likely encountered more than a few construction-related delays – which, in turn, slows traffic, often to a crawl, and occasionally at peak times.
It can no doubt be frustrating for drivers, and cause tempers to flare for no other reason reason than being miffed at a longer-than-normal commute.
Such feelings are understandable – sitting in a hot vehicle and inching along at a snail’s pace to or from one’s destination is on par with going to the dentist in terms of the fun factor. But road work is a necessity. Not only that, but taking out one’s frustrations on individuals doing traffic control – a job that at times is riskier than it should be – is a childish way to vent.
At this time of year, we need to expect delays on certain roadways and keep our frustrations to ourselves.
Municipalities and the province give plenty of advance notice to motorists that road work will be happening during a specific period, and there are usually alternate routes available if you plan ahead, so as not to be slowed down.
At the very least, the late-spring and summer roadwork season requires us to exercise patience, and understand that there’s a good chance we’ll be asked to slow down for construction somewhere along our route.
Courtesy – or at least understanding – towards workers doing their jobs to improve our streets will go a long way towards improving everyone’s daily drives, no matter how short or long they may be.