‘Claim jumpers’ frustrate motorist

Question: Many times during the morning rush hour, the westbound traffic on Highway 528 in Marysville bound for Southbound I-5 suffers from “claim jumpers.”

It is clearly posted near the railroad tracks that the right lane is to be used for through traffic to Tulalip.

So, us law-abiding citizens dutifully stay in the left lane so we can get on southbound I-5 after passing through the light at the ramp just east of I-5. The scofflaws will stay in the right-hand lane all the way through that intersection and then cross the solid white line into the left turn pockets.

This illegal activity can cause up to a five-cycle wait just to get through that intersection.

Would it be possible to put cement curbing in place of the solid white line? Better signs would help too.

E. Steven Ray, Everett

Answer: We know this is frustrating for drivers. We have explored several possibilities for improving the situation, but we do not have any workable options at this time.

If we add curbing between the lanes we would increase the risk of collisions. Bridge columns constrict the lanes. Adding curbing would take up even more room, leaving drivers less space to maneuver.

Also, much of the left-turn lane is under the bridge. This would make the raised curb harder for drivers to see in the low light.

We already have signs in place to guide westbound drivers through the intersection.

Two large signs mounted to the I-5 bridge let drivers know that the left lane exits to southbound I-5 while the right lane continues through to the Tulalip Indian Reservation.

In addition, we have posted a sign to the right of the intersection to remind drivers that the right lane is a through lane.

We’re continuing to look for ways to improve this intersection and will ask the Washington State Patrol to consider added enforcement to monitor the area for any dangerous driving behavior.

Mike Swires, state Department of Transportation’s Snohomish-area traffic engineer

Question: I have a question about Seventh Avenue and Everett Mall Way light configuration.

When traveling northbound on Seventh Avenue, why is there not a green arrow for left-hand turns onto westbound Everett Mall Way?

Janet Bush, Everett

Answer: The city of Everett looked into installing left-turn lights for both northbound and southbound on Seventh Avenue. The metal arm that holds the traffic light northbound at Seventh Avenue is too short, so we installed it for southbound direction only.

We looked at modifying the signal pole and arm, but the manufacturer of the pole recommended against this work.

We also looked at installing a new pole and arm, but decided against this because of the risk that the entire intersection may become inoperable because of the age of the traffic light.

Dongho Chang, city traffic engineer

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