Intersection should be reconfigured at 40th and 86th

With classes resuming at the high school and the Boys and Girls Club open, I am wondering if city officials will be reconfiguring the traffic light at the intersection of S.E. 40th Street and 86th Avenue S.E. Unless some changes are forthcoming, that intersection will become a major bottleneck and a danger to both drivers and pedestrians.

Under its current pattern of operation, a westbound vehicle on S.E. 40th Street attempting to make a left turn onto 86th Avenue S.E. effectively blocks all westbound traffic. During periods of heavy traffic, the backup often stretches into and beyond the intersection of S.E. 40th Street and 88th Avenue S.E. Drivers who attempt to pass on the right a vehicle waiting to make a left turn invade the crosswalk on 86th Avenue S.E., endangering pedestrians.

Furthermore, because of the topography of S.E. 40th Street and the speed of eastbound traffic, visibility is limited, increasing the possibility of an eastbound driver colliding with a vehicle attempting to make a left turn.

These problems already exist, and the increase in traffic to and from the Boys and Girls Club will exacerbate the situation.

Apparently, when this intersection was re-designed and the traffic signal installed just a short time ago, no consideration was given as to the effect on traffic that would result from the construction of the Boys and Girls Club on 86th Avenue S.E.

Ken Lottis

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.