“A good science fiction story should be able to predict not the automobile but the traffic jam.” – Frederik Pohl
My brother’s recent post on Impossible Maps (see it at https://thirdagethoughts.com/impossible-maps/) inspired me to make a loose map of the dominant highway in our area, Route 210. I believe 210 was built during WWII because bombs were being made at the Naval Ordnance Station at Indian Head and they needed a speedy way to deliver the bombs. The road was built straight for maximum efficiency without regard for what was already there – that’s why Livingston Road crosses 210 so many times. The family farm was also bisected during the construction because ‘have bombs must travel’. Today, people can only dream of efficient travel on Route 210. There is a popular facebook group for local commuters called ‘Nightmare on 210’ where people recant their commuting woes. The themes depicted on my map all come from this group of clever people who, apparently realizing you can either laugh or cry about a dystopian situation, have decided to laugh. And vent! And if you don’t drive nicely, they will take your picture and post it!
This is amazing! Thanks for making & sharing this illustration. As a 210 commuter for 10 years now, the Nightmare on 210 group helps me get through the stress of traveling on that road! Humor is essential!