State and Madison must get serious about traffic congestion

Residents of Madison, make a note.

Did you enjoy your recent trip on the Beltline? You know, when it was mostly gridlock both ways. If so, then you'll be glad to know that's what it will be like every day in the near future, considering the big increase in population forecasts.

If the governor and other decision-makers don't start making plans for bypasses around the city, the capital region will suffer from awful congestion. We need to start planning now for the obstacles we need to overcome. Almost every city of Madison's size in the United States with an interstate nearby and traffic problems have overcome them with bypasses and other new road construction. This might mean bridges, using existing roads or changing of routes.

No, everybody will not be happy. But when the complete infrastructure depends on doing something, now is the time to start. For the younger generation living here, their well-being depends on improvements.

For now, enjoy the Beltline as much as possible.

George Sutton, Fitchburg