On Sunday I decided to drive the newly opened Interstate 5/state Route 16 intersection to see how it was. I was particularly concerned about the very odd-looking eastbound exit from SR 16 to Sprague Avenue.
Logic suggested to me that the “L” turn would be risky. As I made the approach to the Sprague Avenue off-ramp, I noticed right away that the sight line made the left turn impossible to see right away. And by the time you do see the turn, you are right on it and have to hit the brakes.
Since then, I took the Sprague Avenue exit again, and at the top of the ramp at the left turn saw stark evidence of how dangerous this exit can be: tire skid marks, paint marks and gouges indicating that someone couldn’t make the turn and smashed into the wall opposite.
I sincerely hope that those involved in this accident were not injured. But I feel that this intersection is a disaster waiting to happen and should be closed immediately and redesigned.