Then why is the main highway at least 30 miles away from the towns along the river? Maybe just build them to pass through the towns instead?
Since when would you get on a highway, travel ~35 miles to the west, ~25 miles north, and then another ~70 miles east just to visit the town just up the river. A ferry ride at 20 mph up the river would be faster AND more cost-effective than a car ride at an unreasonable speed of 100 mph.
Millions of dollars of Pork wasted on a highway that will rarely be used.
And not to mention that you built the highway right up the face of the mountain.