Can cable transform deadly highway?

The deadly stretch of Airline Drive in St. Charles Parish where many people have lost their lives was scheduled to be discussed at a meeting yesterday after our deadline. The main subject was to be about a cable that would stop cars zooming off the highway from going into the deep roadside canal that has caused the drownings.

The state Department of Transportation and Development has repeatedly rejected suggestions that barriers be constructed between the highway and the canal. That, officials said, would tend to bounce cars going off back onto the highway into oncoming traffic.

But the cable to be discussed at the meeting yesterday is one that is said would stretch and stay in place, containing automobiles from going into the water and not springing them back onto the highway. If it works that way, it could well be the answer to the problem.

Barriers do not improve the looks of highways. But, given a choice, we would take safety over beauty.

We should seriously consider this new form of barrier and, if it appears to be our answer to safety, put it in. And make it as beautiful as possible.

Meanwhile, check our website and next week’s Herald-Guide to find out what went on at the meeting yesterday.