Richard Dittenberger of Arlington wonders if the state will make changes to signage in order to make it easier for motorists to know which lane they need to be in to get on I-5 south from 172nd Street NE (Highway 531) in Smokey Point. That ramp is a right turn onto a loop ramp. Until the new interchange was completed in 2009, it had been a left-hand turn onto the southbound on-ramp.
In particular, Dittenberger points to a sign that directs drivers north for the northbound I-5 on-ramp and directs drivers west to continue to the southbound I-5 on-ramp. “Many drivers unfamiliar with the interchange think it is a left turn past the bridge and at the last minute realize it is a right turn past the bridge. Then they try to switch three lanes to get in the right-hand lane — very difficult and accident prone with so much traffic,” he said.
He suggests the state add “Second Right” to the southbound portion of the sign for clarification. “Doesn’t take a rocket scientist.”
Tom Pearce, a spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation, said Dittenberger “brings up a good point.” Signs have been added once already.
“In 2011, based on feedback from other drivers, we added an overhead sign at the ramps signal on the east side of the overpass that directs drivers into the right through lane. We were limited on how large the overhead sign could be and understand that some drivers may not see it.
“Updated guidelines for interchange signing now recommend additional messages farther in advance to let drivers know if they need to turn left or right, similar to what the reader recommends,” Pearce said. “We’re in the process of evaluating options to revise existing signs, or possibly install new signs, to clarify which lane drivers heading for southbound I-5 should be in. We expect to have changes made by early next year.”
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