12-09-2022, 11:40 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-10-2022, 06:59 PM by HereOnThePrimalEdge.)
A few more comments on the Saddle Road alignment.
Thanks ironyak & AaronS for the links to historical references and planning information for Saddle Road. I assumed the decision to site the road in it's current location was complex, but I had no idea how many factors and agencies were involved in the process. After reading through that, we're lucky any agreement was reached, and any road was built at all.
With Mauna Loa erupting, the potential closing of the highway due to lava seemed like a major factor to me. Admittedly the major factor. But from the point of view of engineers and the context of a quiet volcano, I can see why they started looking at the existing roadway, most direct route, the fewest miles to drive, the straightest possible road with high speed curves and a goal of 60 mph throughout the stretch whenever possible. Then they have to work around PTA, birds, silverswords, land ownership…. Glad I only have to drive on it, now that it's mostly completed and the heavy lifting is done.
BTW, if you want to enter a time tunnel, go to Google maps, Mauna Kea Access Road, Street View. Half the drive through the intersection is just roadway, half shows the protest encampment. It switches back and forth. All of the concerns that authorities have raised durning this lava eruption, pedestrians on the highway, cars parked on the side of the road, impacts on posted speed limits are clearly taking place, even supported with traffic lights, signs, concrete barriers etc. Many tents set up and occupied a few feet from the highway.
Next time there's a protest encampment, maybe officials can open Old Saddle Road again. Seems to keep the highway safer for lava viewing, might work for tarp cities too. With the encouragment of a $1000 fine for popping up glavinized poles and blue tarps on the new highway. Don’t we all want to be treated equally?
Thanks ironyak & AaronS for the links to historical references and planning information for Saddle Road. I assumed the decision to site the road in it's current location was complex, but I had no idea how many factors and agencies were involved in the process. After reading through that, we're lucky any agreement was reached, and any road was built at all.
With Mauna Loa erupting, the potential closing of the highway due to lava seemed like a major factor to me. Admittedly the major factor. But from the point of view of engineers and the context of a quiet volcano, I can see why they started looking at the existing roadway, most direct route, the fewest miles to drive, the straightest possible road with high speed curves and a goal of 60 mph throughout the stretch whenever possible. Then they have to work around PTA, birds, silverswords, land ownership…. Glad I only have to drive on it, now that it's mostly completed and the heavy lifting is done.
BTW, if you want to enter a time tunnel, go to Google maps, Mauna Kea Access Road, Street View. Half the drive through the intersection is just roadway, half shows the protest encampment. It switches back and forth. All of the concerns that authorities have raised durning this lava eruption, pedestrians on the highway, cars parked on the side of the road, impacts on posted speed limits are clearly taking place, even supported with traffic lights, signs, concrete barriers etc. Many tents set up and occupied a few feet from the highway.
Next time there's a protest encampment, maybe officials can open Old Saddle Road again. Seems to keep the highway safer for lava viewing, might work for tarp cities too. With the encouragment of a $1000 fine for popping up glavinized poles and blue tarps on the new highway. Don’t we all want to be treated equally?