To the editor:

Let’s check the dictionary, shall we? Road: “An open, generally public way for the passage of vehicles, people, and animals.” Now, how about closed: “To bar access to, i.e., the road is closed for repairs.”

There is a stretch of County Road 1055 (an alternate route to Baldwin from Lawrence) that is being worked on. At approximately 800 Road, there are “wing barricades” that state “Road closed 1 1/2 miles. Local traffic only.” They sit alongside (not blocking) 1055, and according to Keith Browning, Douglas County director of public works/county engineer, “are typically used to get drivers’ attention, and to provide emphasis to the sign mounted on the barricade.”

Living about a mile north of those signs, I can tell you that MANY drivers don’t pay attention to those signs. Surely, they must think “road closed” doesn’t apply to THEM. It is quite apparent when these folks come to a screeching halt at about my drive and, with puzzled looks, turn around and head back south. I’ve even had a few stop and ask me “is the road really closed?” My reply has often been, “ya know, I’m not sure. Why don’t you just go on ahead and find out for yourself.”

In closing, to anyone who thinks that “Road Closed” doesn’t apply to them: Yeah, it’s really closed.

Lenette Hamm,

Baldwin