Will It Ever Be Finished?

Ever since I lived in Mandeville, there's been a highway widening project on the books. In fact, I was told that U.S. Hwy. 190 needed to be widened back in the early 1980s. However, a lack of financial resources always seemed to push this needed project back.

About six months prior to Hurricane Katrina (this storm has become a significant date from which we've come measure time), the road-widening project began with tree-cutting and utilities relocation. Now, more than three years later, people in our community have dealt with detours, bumpy roads, construction equipment, traffic delays, entrances to businesses blocked, dust, and generally a big mess until they really don't believe it will ever end.

No doubt, the task of widening a two-lane highway into a four- and five-lane thoroughfare has not been easy for either the construction workers or those who must use the highway regularly. This road literally is the main artery for our community, so we've all been affected.

I've been told that the project should be completed by November. I'm hoping for earlier! The inconvenience has affected businesses up and down this corridor. I'm fearful that some businesses will be forced to close. Our church's attendance has been affected by mess. We have, however, seen more people come check us out since the focus of the construction has moved away from our entrances.

I suppose that we should look forward to our situation improving soon. I'm glad that the road is finaly getting widened. It was desperately needed, and the only reason it was finally started is because it was so desperately needed. That a metaphor for life -- though many know that they need to do something about their relationship with God, they don't do anything about it until they are desperate. Unfortunately, that can be too late.