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GREENWICH, Conn. — The Daily Voice accepts signed, original letters to the editor. Email them to Greenwich@DailyVoice.com.
Greenwich resident Daniel F. Good responds to the Department of Transportation's news that tree removal on the Merritt Parkway will last at least two more summers.
To the Editor:
As stated in the paper, tree removal will take place for this summer and the next two. Presently, there is constant and daily bumper-to-bumper traffic on the parkway with endless vehicles burning thousand and thousands of gallons of gas going nowhere.
Simply stated: Why doesn't the DOT work at night - from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. with half-hours time for a meal break. Pay the staff overtime, which would be the equivalent of 42 hours straight time. Or a shift differential and have them work a modified five night week.
Working at night would minimize traffic being backed up since drivers would know that work is going on every night for tree removal. This would help to save the environment from excess burning of fuel.
Send out small crews a week or so ahead of time to spray paint the trees to be removed using florescent paint for easy identification. Maximize productivity while people are sleeping and minimize traffic problems.
Additional consideration could be given to the crews to work five nights a week but shorten Friday night hours from midnight to 5:30 a.m., since people tend to drive late Friday evening getting away for the weekend.
There are various scenarios the DOT could come up with. Let's be practical, efficient, attention to road conditions, sensitivity to motorists.
Last but not least, the DOT is ongoingly working on half the service areas on both sides of the parkway. While driving you have to be careful not to run out of gas. It's even hard to find one conveniently open to stop, stretch your legs and visit the facilities and for some refreshment. The few that are open are overwhelmed with motorists.
I'm sorry to say, the DOT has taken on too much at once. Even CT I-95 is going through the same simultaneous growing and construction inconveniences.
DOT: Help us to help you. Work at night and the vast majority will be and stay off the road. We'll all sleep better and be in a better frame of mind the next morning knowing our half-hour trip will not take well over an hour.
Connecticut is a great state and I know the DOT could rethink their posture on daytime tree removal on all parkways and the associated consequences the motorists are subject to everyday.
Cordially,
Daniel Good
Greenwich, CT
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