Be safe and mind your manners

Hello neighbors,

Per last week’s Ledger, I see that the Trout Creek Bridge schedule is set. I was diligently anticipating a mention of Black Tail Rd., Martin Creek Rd. or Stevens Creek Rd. and the Noxon (one-lane) Bridge, I read none the such. This is a disappointment because I suspect our neighboring town of Trout Creek will avoid Blue Slide Road when they need to come west.

I was reading that the Blue Slide Road Detour is getting a “check/fix,” new signage will be posted, “no large trucks, new guard rails & striping,” Montana Dept. of Transportation is even watching out for our boaters and fisherman, this is great, everything is set. Or is it…

IS this great news for others that have to prepare? Our local schools and local postal services have known for a good time now and most likely have a plan. Our local grocers, etc...are, most likely, wondering ‘what are my produce and beer supplier’s going to do?’

Food is perishable and so are humans, let’s not forget our manners during this community event.

Please have a talk with your new drivers in the household about how to use ‘pull-offs’ on the highway side of the Noxon Bridge. Things can quickly! turn hairy like they did mid-day, last Oct., a really scary, true occurrence. Scary is: people are dying on our highways.

I have been told that the Noxon bridge dynamics, directly off the highway, have a highway traffic right of way. I have tried, but failed, to find this ordinance in writing.

On the highway side of Noxon Bridge, both directions mind you, there is only enough room for 3 big cars OR 1car + 1 truck towing trailer OR 2 school buses. This is not much room and it can cause a ‘vapor lock’ on our 70 mph highway entry/exit and a pile-up across our bridge. Please keep your manners handy and…

LET OUR HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACROSS THE NOXON BRIDGE FIRST

I Am your neighbor and so is the kid, or grandma, with their rear bumper stuck out on a 70 mph highway while a rubbernecker is taking pictures of a moose in the slough, or texting, while driving.

Please talk with your kids and the elderly, they are most at risk.

Thank you for reading this,

Candice Stewart, Noxon