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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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We are not alone

Two weeks back, I wrote of the concerns drivers have expressed to me about the freeway entrance ramp to I-90 eastbound from U.S. 195 northbound.  That column elicited enough responses to demonstrate that those of us with concerns about that merge point are far from alone.

For example, reader G.D. summarized feelings felt there thusly, “Thanks for the article on ‘The dreaded short chute.’  Wondered how that ever got built in this day and age...A driver NB on 195 is still negotiating the curve when he/she is immediately faced with the traffic on I-90 without much warning.”

And B.B. also noted the inherent dangers at the junction by writing, “Your column spoke eloquently about the gut-check that I encounter each morning as I try to enter I90 from Hwy 195.  In speaking with neighbors, we all feel the same fear as one tries to gauge the mindset of the vehicle in front: will he/she suddenly brake in fear, will the vehicle on I90 slow?  Too many points of needed attention to safely calculate, creating a terrifying moment each day.”

Reader R. expressed another take, stating, “The scariest thing, however, is sizing up I-90, over your shoulder and rounding the curve. Only to look back ahead and see someone at a dead stop with their left turn signal on, and there’s someone behind you!  At that point you are at the mercy of your brakes and the person behind you.”

And R. added, “I navigate that on ramp everyday and don’t have much to add except that I honestly find it easier on my bike [motorcycle] due to increased ability to accelerate vs. my truck, and maneuverability.”  I ride a motorcycle and concur that they always have the edge over cars and trucks when it comes to acceleration and maneuverability — but then you have to fit vulnerability into the equation.

R.C. described his unique, but not necessarily recommended, approach to making the merge, noting, “I have come to the strategy of going as fast as I can, then the merge is pretty easy.  Of course in my Corvette, I don’t have to even slow down for the curve, that car acts like it’s on rails.”

On that note, please remember (as reader M.T. reminded me) that traffic coming from 195 must yield to I-90 traffic.  If a stubborn driver on I-90 refuses to make a spot for a driver like R.C., the resulting crash is R.C.’s fault.

Some local drivers tend to avoid the subject ramp like I do.  That’s the way K.K. feels about it, writing, “I just read your column about the merge onto I-90 eastbound from 195 northbound.  I live in that area, and this is one of my ‘avoid at all costs’ intersections.  I'd rather take the extra time to drive through town and get on the freeway eastbound at 5th and Maple.”

Others keep a close eye on the merge, like N.E., who wrote, “The flashing lane lights on 90 E you mention in Sat. article have been inop for about a week now.  I called into [DOT] and they said they would look into it.  That is a help as I drive that road many times a week.”

Then, N.E. followed up with, “They are back on today 3/12/14.”  The DOT appreciates the eyes of many drivers helping “police” their infrastructure — please report noted relevant incidents to them.

Speaking of fixing things, reader D.W. has some background with the DOT and the 195 ramp.  He said, “I wrote several years ago regarding the on ramp from 195 northbound to I-90 eastbound. My suggestion was to make the far right lane of I-90
exit to 195 which would give the traffic on 195 a chance to get on I-90.”

Other readers have expressed how that arrangement worked well during highway construction at the site a few years back.

D.W. continued, “I presented the idea to the DOT one year at the fair. After several months, they wrote back and said that there is too much traffic on I-90 to fit into two lanes.”

Nice try, D.W.!  Drivers, let the DOT know how you feel!

Readers may contact Bill Love via e-mail at precisiondriving@spokesman.com.