Tiger Weekly - Serving Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Turn the Car Around, Talkin' 'Bout Construction

By Colleen McKinney

I'm probably the only one who will openly admit this, but I like construction. It's a bitch to deal with, no doubt. I like construction because it shows the tax dollars that are siphoned by the hundreds from my already meager paychecks are actually being used for a legitimate purpose. That's why I'm all for the construction on Brightside Lane.

I'm fully aware that I don't share this view with most of the students who live on Brightside and even with some of the Tiger Weekly staff, e.g. our lovely editor-in-chief, Kayla. Even though I also hate potholes, my desire for turn lanes surpasses my pothole hatred.

The construction on Brightside is the 18th project to break ground as part of Baton Rouge's Green Light Plan. According to the city government, a central turn lane will be paved for the entire length of Brightside, and sidewalks and bike paths will also be added to both sides of the street.

I grew up in Texas, land of glorious eight-lane interstates and plentiful turn lanes. One of the first things I noticed when I moved here for school is the lack of turn lanes - seriously. I still notice the city's lack when I'm stuck behind someone trying to turn left on Nicholson, Highland Road, River Road, Dalrymple, Brightside and about a million other streets.

What is the cure for all the congestion on these roads? TURN LANES. I lived on Brightside for a year, I know how it is. When 3 p.m. hits, good luck trying to turn left anywhere - except for Campus Crossing, which has its very own turn lane. Considering that half of the LSU population lives on or around Brightside, it will be a way to relieve congestion on Brightside.

As for the new sidewalks and bike lanes, those are added bonuses. Having a bike lane on only one side of the road is annoying if you live on the other side of the street. No one wants to be Frogger while some Hinder-blaring Toyota Tundra with a one foot lift almost creams you because someone has to send the all important "hahahaha" text at that precise moment.

The sidewalks are more of a personal vendetta for me. I walk to a bus stop on Brightside almost everyday for class. I have to navigate a sea of mud, steep hillsides and a randomly placed dead, spikey, tetanus-ridden, barbed-wire wrapped telephone pole that begs to be tripped upon. Some think it's no biggie - ahem LSU Parking and Transportation Office - but having a sidewalk there would be awesome for future residents and students.

Construction is a fact of life. Deal with it. Its benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. Students who complain about being late for class: take the bus! LSU has this nifty thing online where you can track the buses, so you can leave your apartment at the last possible second to catch it.

If you still insist on being a jerk and wasting gas, leave 15 minutes early. Figure out a new way to get somewhere. Experience being on-time to your job or your class, for once. Don't waste valuable crossword puzzle time by sitting in traffic. Progress FTW!

Originally Published: February 10, 2010

↑ Back to the top