Road projects: Keep them going during epidemic

As a former state legislator who served on the House Transportation Committee, I was surprised when Gov. Jay Inslee stopped most state transportation projects because of COVID-19.

Road construction should be considered an essential function due to our state’s critical transportation needs.

Because of the low traffic volumes these days, highway construction (for example I-5 in the Tacoma area) could progress much faster without commuter delays, etc.

Further, road construction is one activity that workers are usually socially distant and outdoors away from the general public.

I know of construction companies and suppliers that have laid off hundreds of employees. This is unfortunate when our unemployment offices are deluged by people who’ve been laid off.

Highway construction workers are well paid, and our state would benefit economically if it were to continue road projects.

This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 1:55 PM with the headline "Road projects: Keep them going during epidemic."