What’s theory behind new light?

As a long-time twice daily traveller on 20th Street SE leading to the U.S. 2 trestle, I’m hoping that someone can explain the theory behind installing the new traffic light at the intersection on the crest of Cavelero Hill.

Due to the volume of vehicles merging onto the trestle from Highway 204, U.S. 2, and 20th, there are many mornings when cars are already backing up clear to Highway 9, especially if we get a little rain. While the new light may relieve some congestion at the three-way merge point by intermittently stopping traffic from coming down the hill, the impact of stopping eastbound traffic coming up the hill and causing cars to back up on I-5, hardly seems worth it.

In winter, vehicles already lose traction trying to go up the hill during icy or snowy conditions. I can only imagine what will happen if the light at the top of the hill is red and there is ice or snow.

Zeda Williams

Lake Stevens