Editorial: Why does road construction take so long?

Is it just me, or is construction along I-20 on Ranger hill dragging on way longer than it should? I've only lived in Abilene for a year, but it seems every time I made a trip here before that there was some sort of delay at Ranger Hill. According to some folks that have been here a while, it's been about 10 years since the project began. So I'm asking...Why is it taking so long? Does anyone have an answer?

The good news is this: it seems to be wrapping up. I have been fooled a few times over the past few months, though. On one trip to Fort Worth I noticed all 4 lanes were open! On my next trip a couple weeks later, they were re-surfacing the hill and it was one lane in each direction again. It seems that each time it's complete something else comes up and it becomes a construction zone again.

The reason I thought of this was because the city of Abilene re-surfaced South 14th street in front of our station this week. And that's just how long it took. This week. In a matter of days, the one mile stretch from the freeway to Pioneer was torn up, re-surfaced and the lines re-painted. If it can be done that fast, why do some projects (like Ranger Hill) take so long?

Yes, I admit a few things. An Interstate is a bit different from a city street. Also, several streches of I-20 between Ranger and Weatherford were re-paved (with concrete, not just re-surfaced with black top). Ranger Hill was probably part of that project. I-20 is also a federal roadway, and dealing with money for roads from the Feds comes with a lot of red tape. But seriously, 10 years? Isn't it a bit much? I know you guys living in Eastland County have to be more frustrated with it than me.

The discussion starts right here, right now. Post your comments.