Editorials - 11/14/02

Addressing access on busy Highway 107 sounds like good idea

Both sets of leaders - Jackson County commissioners and Sylva Town Board members - recognized the common sense of the idea proposed by the Smart Roads Focus Group. Research centered specifically on 107 is needed, they say, to determine what might be accomplished relatively quickly and inexpensively to upgrade traffic flow and safety on the heavily traveled business district that stretches from the 107/Business 23 intersection past Ingles to Fairview Road.

Previously proposed solutions have hinged on the "Southern Loop," which would connect U.S. 74 and U.S. 441 to alleviate congestion on 107. Proponents of a separate study for 107 argue that solutions for the existing highway should be examined independently of a broader survey.

Managing access on 107, they say, could very well be more cost effective than building "10 miles of new road" and would undoubtedly be a quicker solution.

We agree with the concept. While controlling and managing access (as is done in other cities through service roads and limiting left turns) may be inconvenient to some travelers and businesses on the busy stretch of road, it could speed through traffic and reduce the number of accidents.

We hope N.C. Department of Transportation officials will commit to the study and begin their research as soon as possible. What were once quick round trips from the downtown area to Smoky Mountain High or the State Employees Credit Union (about 4 miles) can now take up to 25-30 minutes.

We also hope that when DOT officials commit to the study that they will look hard at two intersections. The biggest bottleneck in Sylva is the through traffic from Cullowhee to Sylva that often backs up at the 107/23 intersection to the extent that vehicles must wait through several traffic light cycles. The other is the 107/116 intersection during the mornings when students and parents are bound for SMHS, Fairview and Southwestern Community College, while Western Carolina University students, faculty and staff are headed for Cullowhee.

Highway 107 is our main local artery. It deserves to be a top priority and receive all the help it can get.

We applaud the group that proposed the study and the elected officials who endorsed it last week.

Now it's up to DOT officials to accept the challenge and see what can be done.

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