To the editor:
As new construction approaches on the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge, I would like to voice my opinion on the merge to one lane.
It is undoubtedly true that it is more efficient for traffic flow as a whole to merge at the last moment — but it is impolite. The volume of traffic that moves through a merge at the last moment is increased, but it is no longer first-come, first-served.
In order for this to work efficiently and in order, each car would have to get in the opposite lane as the car in front of it well before the merge. That is not going to happen. When people cut the line, the line gets even slower as the line-cutters are happily on their way.
I cannot with good conscience pass dozens of people in line and cut in at the last moment.
I make frequent trips to Maine in which most of the time there are one-lane restrictions due to construction.
Everyone gets in line well before the merge, no one cuts the line, and everyone gets through in the order.
Take a tip from Maine: Be polite and don't cut.
Even though it may take a little longer, we will be lot happier waiting in line.
TIM NILE
Mary Helen Way, Rockport
