Letters

The damage to the bridge that carries Route 27 over the Shinnecock Canal reminds us how vulnerable we are on the South Fork to climate change and its impact on infrastructure. It is also a reminder that regional commuter traffic has exploded over the past 25 years, leaving no margin for error.

While the bridge repair is a major setback, even smaller incidents like tree damage or fender-benders have outsized impact on a road system operating well beyond its design capacity. We need to continue regional planning efforts to improve transportation, increase workforce housing, and give tools to residents and commuters alike to carpool, stagger their work hours, and use public transportation whenever possible.

Perhaps we can use this crisis as an opportunity. For at least the next week, I would encourage residents and commuters alike to consider using the train and bus system for regional travel on the South Fork. Commuters should see if there is a colleague they could share their commute with, and residents could ask neighbors to coordinate errands and other travel.

During these repairs, every vehicle taken off the road will have an outsized benefit toward relieving the congestion we will face. And maybe we could continue doing all of this even after the bridge is repaired, because we should enjoy the benefits of fewer cars year round.

Rob Coburn

Southampton Village

Coburn is a member of the Southampton Village Board — Ed.