347 nightmare for Atlanta resident

A recent visit to Arizona took me to Maricopa, AZ, to visit family. I was so disappointed and felt the frustrations of the community of Maricopa over the driving situation going into Maricopa on 347.

I live in Atlanta, GA, where traffic is known for being some of the worst in the country, especially during rush hour. I have spent many years commuting to Atlanta for work and many hours on the road, but I have never experienced anything like I did while visiting Maricopa!

Who is in charge of the re-paving of the road? Is it the county or the DOT or the City of Maricopa? Have they not heard of working at night so the commuters can get to and from work? Or how about closing the lanes on the side of the road not being affected by “rush hour!”

I saw road rage, drivers driving off road to get around traffic, drivers who aren’t keeping the flow of traffic moving because they are occupied on their cell phones, drivers who just don’t care anymore because their drives are so long they have already wasted all of their evening on the road. How many of you are late for work because of delays or road closures?

The citizens of Maricopa need to take your frustrations, as a community, to the appropriate city or county department and demand this work be done at the appropriate time.

Do the city officials not care because they don’t have to commute?

The City Of Maricopa is only as good as its leaders and, from an outsider’s point of view, that isn’t saying much! Who elected these officials? Do they have any knowledge on running a city? If so, they would be working to lessen the affects of the (re-paving?) of 347! Why not widen the road? Is it private property?

A recent editorial stated that your local businesses want your patronage. Who has time? Do they not realize that you don’t get back into town until after they are closed because of the traffic situation? Don’t they realize you have to leave before the sun comes up to get to work on time (if you are lucky)? Come on business owners, are you kidding?

I truly love your community and found it very charming, but will not, cannot and won’t visit again until your “elected” officials create an atmosphere which is conducive to city living and that means ample roads!

To all you commuters of Maricopa, I wish you safety on your commutes and luck with your elected officials. It’s time to focus your road rage on the right people!

Photo by Dave Thomas