Road to Illini country marked in orange
Sunday, May 29, 2005
"Well, they have some job security," I told my steering wheel Tuesday.I was driving alone, eastbound to Champaign-Urbana for a meeting at the University of Illinois. The drive usually is enjoyable, bringing back memories of college days as I pass the familiar landmarks, such as Congerville sale barn and the world's only Farmer City.
This time, I was greeted by enough orange cones and concrete barricades to line from Galesburg to the Mississippi River.
The frustration began on I-474 around Peoria, where everyone who typically drives on the now-closed I-74 through Peoria joined the route, driving bumper to bumper and as fast and weaving as on Chicago's Lakeshore Drive. Just add the semis and you've got a white-knuckled trip to the eastward side of the Illinois River.
I looked forward to driving freedom as I merged onto I-74 East. Oh wait, the diamond-shaped orange sign says "Construction 5 miles ahead."
The interstate becomes one lane and highway speed for 5.5 miles. The forbidden lane has a several-inch drop-off and no construction workers are in sight. That's good because a sign warns that hitting a worker means a $10,000 fine and 14 years in jail. Are we that heartless? What happened to the "My Daddy works here" signs.
Without the signs, I'm aware and cautious to make sure my fellow man in the fluorescent vest is unharmed. The legal consequence is the last thing on my mind.
After only a half mile of resuming to normal two-lane driving, the construction signs are there again. Another 5.1 miles of one lane and highway speeds. Then, a 6.9-mile break until the next construction sign and I'm joining I-55 to go around Bloomington. Construction there has been ongoing since my husband and I started college seven years ago.
It's another trip with two hands firmly on the wheel, driving on two lanes between concrete barricades that sit on the outer white lines. It's like driving 55 mph through a two-stall garage.
Occasionally, you see the speed limit signs and a warning for not obeying: $375 fine minimum. Within 30 seconds, I met two cars and a van pulling a trailer who were worthy candidates.
Then finally, open road to Illini country. I was better prepared for the trip back to Bomber country.
Joanie Stiers is business and agriculture editor of The Register-Mail. Contact her at 343-7181, Ext. 264, or jstiers@register-mail.com
