Time to fix roads, not just potholes

The Feb. 12 editorial, "Problem is much deeper than potholes" is right on. Illinois is currently battling the snowiest winter in 29 years, creating "…conditions…ideal for potholes."

But again, the problem is deeper than the potholes.

Springfield needs to put aside political differences and pass a capital program.

There is an old saying - "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Is there anyone out there who does not believe that the roads are broken?

On behalf of the thousands of drivers forced to purchase new tires and realignments because of a decade of neglect in rebuilding our roads and bridges, I'd like to tell the Springfield politicians, "The roads and bridges of Illinois are BROKEN and we're counting on you to fix them." We understand that fixing our roads requires money, and as the Daily Herald correctly pointed out, some of the money is sitting in Washington, waiting for leaders in Springfield to pass a road program that will provide the needed matching funds. How much longer must we wait? Patching roads that have outlived their design life only shortchanges Illinois families and businesses.

We face the very real possibility of no longer being the transportation hub of the nation if Springfield doesn't step up and pass a road program. So once again, on behalf of the tens of thousands of drivers who continue to dodge the holes, creating safety issues for themselves and others, I repeat, "The roads and bridges of Illinois are BROKEN - fix them".

Tod Faerber

President, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association

Itasca