As if getting up early and driving to school wasn’t enough fun, now students and faculty have to contend with numerous construction zones. For many, this means getting up earlier and driving for longer periods of time.

Of course, construction is a fact of life. But when Ben Franklin said that death and taxes were inevitable, he forgot road improvement.

Now, don’t misunderstand this. I think smooth, wide roads are twenty times better than bumpy and unpleasant ones, but it’s definitely a major inconvenience to drive around the school just to get there. Waking up early in seemingly subzero temperatures is no picnic either.

Mr. Jack Fenstermacker, Transportation Director for the Lake Central School Corporation, said that the buses have been inconvenienced by the widespread roadwork.

“Parents have told me that the buses aren’t arriving to their stops on time,” Mr. Fenstermacker said. “We certainly don’t want the students to have to wait out in inclement weather.”

It’s a good thing the corporation plans ahead. Mr. Fenstermacker said that bus drivers are made aware of alternate routes before road closures.

Though roads are closed across Lake County, the one that seems to affect most students is the closing of 77th Ave., which joins Rt. 41 and St. John Road. Affectionately referred to as “the floating road,” 77th Ave. is basically a road built on top of Styrofoam; though intended to protect the wetlands, this road often breaks apart, leading to even more closures and delays.

The Town of Schererville’s Public Works Department has fielded complaints from residents who have been inconvenienced. There’s some good news for the inconvenienced masses: 77th Ave. should be open by Dec. 15.

But, wait! There’s more. No more construction zones are planned for the rest of the year. Good news, but we’ve still got to stick it out for about a month. In the meantime, drivers are recommended to take Rt. 30 to get around 77th Ave.

Department heads said that teachers have adjusted their schedules very well, and that tardiness hasn’t come up as a result of road closures. Both attendance offices said that only on the first few days of construction have students arrived late to school. So then, what’s the problem?

It’s still an inconvenience to have so many closures at once. Some students like to go shopping in Highland on the weekends. Much to no one’s surprise, roadwork is being done north of Rt. 30, as well. And, once a driver passes the Borders bookstore… well, you can forget about getting where you want on time. Traffic’s brought to one lane.

Everyone can empathize with those affected by the seven o’clock drive, but many fail to see that after-school activity participants have to deal with this too.

Freshman Emily Hausser has band practice after school, which typically ends at 5:15 p.m.

“When I leave school, I have to go completely around the school, and I definitely don’t get to school as early [as I used to],” Hausser said.

Her new route of choice is also mine: traveling south around the construction, coming in behind the Freshman Center.

My advice to students and drivers: we have to get up earlier, find new routes, and just wait it out. My advice to those who plan road closures: don’t close many of the major routes all at once; try doing road improvement in the summer, after school has let out.

And everyone who’s affected: let your representative know that this is going on. I’m not calling for a mass revolt, but a dignified letter to your local senator could enact change for us. In the meantime, it’s best to be optimistic.

“Be patient; it’s not fun,” Mr. Fenstermacker said. “But it’s better to be in a growing area. The work has to be done, and it will get finished.”