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Construction of ‘Michigan lefts’ on U.S. 195 in Spokane suspended until new lights arrive

Looking north, where Thorpe Road intersects U.S. Highway 195 south of Spokane. A proposed revision here could institute a J-turn, also called a Michigan turn, where cars can only turn right onto the larger highway, but they will be offered a U-turn location at some point down the highway. Shown Thursday, May 9, 2019. Je (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
Looking north, where Thorpe Road intersects U.S. Highway 195 south of Spokane. A proposed revision here could institute a J-turn, also called a Michigan turn, where cars can only turn right onto the larger highway, but they will be offered a U-turn location at some point down the highway. Shown Thursday, May 9, 2019. Je (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo
By Nicholas Deshais nickd@spokesman.com(509) 459-5440

Work to increase safety on U.S. Highway 195 in Hangman Valley by adding “J-turns” has been suspended while the roadway lighting is manufactured and delivered, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The $1.46 million project to add “Michigan lefts” to the southwest end of Spokane will include the construction of a median barrier on the highway at its intersection with Thorpe Road to prevent motorists from making unsafe crossings.

Instead of turning left onto or off Thorpe, motorists will turn right onto the highway, merge into the left lane and make a U-turn from a turning lane. These so-called “restricted crossing U-turn” lanes will be installed on each side of the median barrier.

The project is suspended while crews wait for the “luminaires” to be manufactured and arrive, said Beth Bousley, a transportation department spokeswoman. As of Monday, they are anticipated to arrive Wednesday for inspection. The lights are not unique, according to the department.

Beginning July 15, workers will be on-site. The project is expected to be complete mid-August, with final work and landscaping done in October.