Drivers on eastbound South Lake Stevens Road are allowed to turn right onto Highway 9. They are even allowed to turn left.

Lane markings make clear, though, that they aren’t supposed to cut straight across the highway’s four lanes of through and turning traffic to continue on South Lake Stevens Road.

“However, for some the lure of taking their chances and darting across the busy highway is too great,” wrote Scott Dorsey, of Lake Stevens. “Has there been any consideration for adding curbing like there is at other similar intersections? … With increasing housing along South Lake Stevens Road, the number of people ignoring the turn is increasing, which is increasing the likelihood of more high-speed T-bone accidents at this intersection.”

Washington State Department of Transportation spokesman Tom Pearce said no changes are planned.

“WSDOT reviewed the traffic control at the intersection, including collision history and traffic volumes. Based on this, at this point adding curbing or another barrier would reduce the relative safety at this location, because inattentive drivers making an illegal maneuver like crossing the intersection would hit the curbing or barrier, which could cause a crash resulting in injuries or death,” Pearce wrote.

“This is a law enforcement issue — it’s illegal to go straight across the intersection. Our staff meets regularly with the Washington State Patrol and will raise the issue during our February meeting,” he said.

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