Editor’s note: This letter was written to Rep. Mark Hargove and at the request of Peter Hawley, also published in this print edition and on the web, www.covingtonreporter.com

State Route 516  continues to be a major and growing problem for our region, especially between Covington and Maple Valley.

It is criminally negligent to continue to allow massive developments such as Black Diamond’s Yarrow Bay projects without first completing the widening of SR 516 and other routes to somewhat accommodate thousands of additional cars, trucks, and buses.

In addition, the installation of more stop lights, particularly the one to accommodate Home Depot, has turned this state highway into a parking lot, wasting everyone’s time, fuel and causing many rear end and other collisions.

Covington’s roundabouts seem to be working well and should be considered as an alternative to the proliferation of expensive traffic signals along SR 516.  Please do everything possible to address these issues, and thanks for your sincere commitment to the people of the 47th Legislative District, a very distinct improvement over your predecessor.

Peter M. Hawley

Covington