Parallel emergency paths

[bugo]

From https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Admin.-Cir.-2021-04-Minutes-of-the-Feb.-3-2021-AHC-Meeting.pdf

WHEREAS, IN INDEPENDENCE COUNTY, IN THE VICINITIES OF THE CITIES OF BATESVILLE AND SOUTHSIDE, multiple crashes have occurred at the Highway 167 curve at Ramsey Mountain that have resulted in extended closures of the highway; and

WHEREAS, the shortest detour route is approximately 33 miles long; and

WHEREAS, the County and both Cities have proposed to partner with the Department to construct a second set of travel lanes, protected by a barrier wall from the existing lanes, to be used as a parallel emergency path and opened to traffic when an incident necessitates the closure of the highway; and

WHEREAS, the County and Cities have recently purchased property adjacent to Highway 167 at this location and have agreed to donate any right of way necessary for the improvements; and

WHEREAS, the County has also agreed to participate in the development of the parallel emergency path by donating material and labor; and

WHEREAS, Department staff have reviewed the proposal and have determined that constructing the parallel emergency path would be beneficial to the traveling public.

NOW THEREFORE, the Director is authorized to enter into any necessary agreements with the appropriate local agencies and to proceed with surveys, plans, and construction of these improvements as funds become available.

This is the first time I've heard of a parallel highway being built along an existing highway that is only meant for use in emergency situations. Wouldn't it be better to just build a 4 lane divided, and if one direction shuts down, detour all traffic to the clear lanes?'

Here's the stretch of highway in question:
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.7407296,-91.6418362,868m/data=!3m1!1e3

[Bruce]

On Whidbey Island, there is now a parallel road to WA 525 in place for detours, as WA 525 is the only north-south route through the area.

https://www.whidbeylocal.com/article/view/1988///a-new-road-for-whidbey-oakes-road