The Road along the Ocoee River...

is a lesson in the tension between engineering and architecture. Maybe there are positive lessons and negative lessons as well.

The road basically tracks the river. Since the river wasn't built in a straight line, niether was the road.

I would complain about the road if I were in a car and I were in a hurry. It forces a moderated tempo. It's very dangerous. This road was not engineered for speed.

Safety wasn't even an engineering after thought.

One might also complain about it if he were in a kayak. Having to look at those cars and buses all day -- and to smell the exhaust -- could be a drag.

I never really noticed the traffic. The river holds my attention.

The road along the Ocoee is, in fact, a marvel in architecture and a beautiful drive.

It's really the best it can be.

I wish
             I
                        had thought
          to build it.