Lacey will be the site of the first diverging diamond interchange (DDI) in the State of Washington. The unusual configuration makes interchanges safer for both drivers and pedestrians. The interchange will be built at Marvin Road and I-5, near the Hawks Prairie section of Lacey.
Hawks Prairie is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the commercial sector, leading to increased traffic on Marvin Road, and greater numbers of cars exiting the freeway at the interchange. The congestion led to the decision to build the DDI.
In this type of interchange, left turns are eliminated by having drivers travel on the left side of the road for a brief distance. This allows people in the far left lane to make their turn without stopping, while traffic in the lanes to their right goes straight through the intersection. Although the configuration seems confusing at first, traffic experts say that if drivers simply follow the arrows that clearly mark the lanes, they will be able to go through the intersection easily.
Residents who would like to learn about the DDI before they drive through it can learn about it at an upcoming meeting on Tuesday, May 22, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Salish Middle School.
Improvements like this can be confusing, so officials might consider working with a flyer printing company to create informative handouts for those who attend the meetings.
Location
8410 30th Ave NE
Unit A
Lacey, WA 98516
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Mon: 9:00 - 5:00
Tue: 9:00 - 5:00
Wed: 9:00 - 5:00
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