Word that $13.4 million of the federal stimulus package will fund the next phase of the U.S. 14-A expansion was welcome news, especially for the people who drive between Powell and Cody on a regular basis.Drivers are just about guaranteed to witness a “near miss” on the two-lane highway, especially during peak morning and early-evening traffic hours. People in a hurry to get to work, and to get home in the evening, often take unnecessary risks when passing — jeopardizing the safety of others in the process. During the fall sugar beet and barley harvests, risky driving is even more commonplace.Traffic on the already-widened road between Powell and Road 19, however, hums along at a pretty regular pace. Slower drivers can maintain their chosen speeds, while those wishing to make the commute a bit faster aren't held up or, worse, compelled to put themselves and others in danger.According to WYDOT spokesman Cody Beers, the stimulus money will also move the project nearly a year ahead of schedule. This 3.5-mile phase could see the final chip-seal by the summer of 2010. The 14-A expansion is wanted and needed — and has been delayed by high costs of fuel and materials in recent years. With the funding now in place, this project can't happen soon enough.

Word that $13.4 million of the federal stimulus package will fund the next phase of the U.S. 14-A expansion was welcome news, especially for the people who drive between Powell and Cody on a regular basis.

Drivers are just about guaranteed to witness a “near miss” on the two-lane highway, especially during peak morning and early-evening traffic hours. People in a hurry to get to work, and to get home in the evening, often take unnecessary risks when passing — jeopardizing the safety of others in the process. During the fall sugar beet and barley harvests, risky driving is even more commonplace.

Traffic on the already-widened road between Powell and Road 19, however, hums along at a pretty regular pace.

Slower drivers can maintain their chosen speeds, while those wishing to make the commute a bit faster aren't held up or, worse, compelled to put themselves and others in danger.

According to WYDOT spokesman Cody Beers, the stimulus money will also move the project nearly a year ahead of schedule. This 3.5-mile phase could see the final chip-seal by the summer of 2010.

The 14-A expansion is wanted and needed — and has been delayed by high costs of fuel and materials in recent years. With the funding now in place, this project can't happen soon enough.