[mikelizard860]

Can someone please explain to me why route 9 has not been turned into a divided highway? The fatality statistics for that road are horrific. That's what happens when you have people going 60mph with no divider and nothing but a foot separating you from a head on collision. Especially when people talk about how we need better infrastructure. You have zero east to west interstates south of Montpelier all the way to the mass pike near the ct border!! (Lacking INFRASTRUCTURE!) Preventable deaths are occurring. this road that connects to major towns(bennington to brattleboro) as well as countless skier traffic headed to mt snow/okemo and all kinds of tractor trailers trying to traverse a winding 2000 foot high mountain pass road with no divider between oncoming vehicles. Dividers on high speed roads are proven to save lives. That's why interstates use them.

[sovertennis]

I drive Rte 9 from Benn to Bratt regularly, and have for over 30 years. It's a drive that requires caution, particularly between the top of Hogback Mt and W Bratt. Over the years there have been many improvements but I don't see how it would ever be possible to make it into a divided highway (for the same reason that Rte 4 isn't a divided highway) because it far too mountainous and the time and expense to turn it into a divided hwy would be prohibitive.

So take your time and be careful.

[Mtneer12]

There's no such thing as dangerous roads, only dangerous drivers.

[mikelizard860]

Originally Posted by Mtneer12

There's no such thing as dangerous roads, only dangerous drivers.

There will ALWAYS be dangerous drivers and even good drivers that make a mistake once in a while. A divider is proven to save lives. A safer road will reduce fatalities. Period.

[mikelizard860]

Originally Posted by sovertennis

I drive Rte 9 from Benn to Bratt regularly, and have for over 30 years. It's a drive that requires caution, particularly between the top of Hogback Mt and W Bratt. Over the years there have been many improvements but I don't see how it would ever be possible to make it into a divided highway (for the same reason that Rte 4 isn't a divided highway) because it far too mountainous and the time and expense to turn it into a divided hwy would be prohibitive.

So take your time and be careful.

It's said that the entire us interstate system could never be built if it had to be built now. Get past the red tape and just do it. We've built roads out west that make the terrain over route 9 look like the prairies!
You can be as careful as you want(which is a good thing and will reduce risk), but somebody can still plow head into you at 50-60mph and you will never have time to react and will most likely be a fatal collision.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by sovertennis

...but I don't see how it would ever be possible to make it into a divided highway (for the same reason that Rte 4 isn't a divided highway) because it far too mountainous and the time...

There's engineering called tunnels.

[looking4home]

Does Vermont have the money to do this kind of stuff? Your taxes are high enough already. Maybe you could get a federal grant? All they have to do is say they'll stick a roundabout (traffic cricle) somewhere along the way or a similar pedestrian-friendly design in order to improve walkability, and encourage carpools or bicycles.

I'm only being partially sarcastic. My city recently was given federal grant money to improve roads that don't need improving, but the city council's contractor and development buddies need the dough so they applied for, and received, these funds. I'm sure Vermonters are just as adept at working the system as us out here in Cali.

[mikelizard860]

Originally Posted by Hopes

There's engineering called tunnels.

As well as blasting. Notice rock formations next to a lot of highways/roads.

[DauntlessDan]

mikelizard860 It's Vermont for crying out loud, NOT out west. I realize that some of the roads are hazardous and when I drive up there (I live in an area where interstate traffic is 70mph) I take it easy. I take it easy down here too. People need to slow down and not be in such a flipping hurry all of the time. People rush everywhere here in the DC metro area and we have a LOT of crashes involving leaving the road due to speed. You just have to adjust your driving habits to the layout and conditions of the roads and give yourself a little extra time.

[harry chickpea]

Don't why anyone wants to go between Brattleboro and Bennington anyway. Did someone open a strip joint? Oh. Skiers. I suppose. Those who strap two boards on their feet, put giant spikes in their hands, and intentionally fall down a mountain shouldn't be afraid of a road.

Yeah, Vermont has mountains that go down the center of the state. It is a feature, not a flaw. The only relatively level route across the state is the one that the railroad takes and the Interstate followed. The population of the entire state is less than the population of Denver and there is no transcontinental highway to be concerned about so between lack of money, lack of major traffic, and a desire to keep tourism, the roads aren't going to be like those in a lot of other places.