Regarding the letter about the Sprague Avenue exit off eastbound state Route 16 (TNT, 6-30).
The writer states that a driver cannot see the turn immediately and that when “you do see the turn, you are right on it and have to hit the brakes.”
There are a number of left-turn signs (complete with flashing yellow lights and arrows) displayed prominently approaching the turn. Simply paying attention to these alleviates any question about where the turn is.
The writer makes the point that this turn is dangerous as there were skid marks, paint marks and gouges in the jersey barrier. The posted (albeit suggested) speed to take the turn is 15 mph. I would challenge anyone to try and make those same skid marks (or any skid marks, for that matter) from a speed of 15 mph.
Perhaps we could maybe take a little more personal accountability for our driving habits and realize that we don’t all have to be Dale Earnhardt Jr. when we get behind the wheel. Unless you’re rushing to perform a life-saving operation, you can probably slow down a bit.
Finally, the writer states that the intersection should be closed and redesigned. I would point out the Department of Transportation is not finished with the project. There is still another phase that will complete that intersection, as people taking Sprague onto eastbound SR 16 will be using that same stretch of road.
Drive with a little more regard for your surroundings. Let the project get done, and then make your comments.