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| SAFE JOURNEY — Ed Griffiths of Ashland celebrates his first journey underneath U.S Hwy. 2 through “the tunnel” connecting downtown Ashland and the lakefront trail. Griffiths said being able to safely cross the highway unassisted is a huge leap forward for his quality of life. |
The following story / quotes appeared in a great article written by Rick Olivo in today's Ashland Daily Press front page story.
Ed Griffiths is one person who is very glad to see the controversial “tunnel” under Lake Shore Drive approach completion.
To Ed Griffiths, the red clay doesn't really matter. Nor does the lack of landscaping. What matters is, for the first time, he can steer his motorized wheelchair from downtown, through the tunnel and safely under the busy highway to access the walking and biking trail along the tranquil Chequamegon Bay shore.
For Griffiths and other physically limited people, safely crossing the busy highway without aid is problematic, especially during the congested summer driving season. The tunnel now means they can cross under the highway safely, and enjoy the beauty of Chequamegon Bay without fear for their lives. That is a change for the better, says Griffiths.
"I am extremely happy about the tunnel," he said Monday. "I've lived here for most of my life, about 30 years, and I haven't been able to get down to the waterfront without having somebody walk me across the highway. Now that the tunnel is in, I can actually do it myself." Griffiths said the simple act of being able to independently travel to the lakefront to enjoy a sunset, or just to hear the waves ripple on the shore means a great deal.
He said he strongly disagreed with those who asserted the tunnel was without value, a tunnel to nowhere. "I think it will do a lot of good, actually," he said. "In fact, I just went down there on Monday. I saw some people using it already, riding their bikes, pushing a baby stroller through it. It's going to work wonders for the people of Ashland."
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