[Letter by Carol Albert, Echo Lake Neighborhood Representative: Views expressed are those of the author, not the Living Snoqualmie website. You may submit letters to info@livingsnoqualmie.com]
Dear Editor of Living Snoqualmie,
I am writing to express my serious safety concerns regarding the recent traffic revisions implemented by WSDOT and Aecon Construction at the intersection of Echo Lake Road/SE 104th Street and State Route 18.. While installing a temporary traffic light initially offered some relief for right turns from 104th Street towards SR 18 and Snoqualmie Ridge, it has become alarmingly clear that the current configuration has introduced significant and unacceptable safety hazards for our neighborhood drivers and all those traversing this intersection.
The prioritization of approximately 15 construction trucks during peak morning commute hours on Tuesday, evidenced by the extended green light favoring eastbound SR 18 and the use of our fire road entrance/parking area as a construction staging zone, strongly suggests that expediency for the construction project has taken precedence over the safety of local residents. Any perceived benefit to our ability to turn right appears to be an unintended consequence, rather than the primary objective.
This lack of consideration for neighborhood safety is further exacerbated by the perilous conditions now faced by drivers turning left off westbound SR 18 onto SE 104th Street. The current setup creates a demonstrably dangerous scenario, featuring a constant green light for westbound SR 18 accompanied by a “STOP when on RED” sign and a recently added 45 mph speed limit sign.
From firsthand experience, the combination of the lighted “New Signal Ahead” sign and the perpetually green light fosters a dangerous complacency among eastbound SR 18 drivers. They are given no indication to anticipate vehicles stopping to cross two lanes of traffic to turn left onto 104th SE. Indeed, it would appear illogical for drivers on a major state route with a green light to expect sudden stops. Consequently, when a vehicle ahead signals and attempts a left turn, the reactions from eastbound SR 18 drivers are frequently violent swerves, blaring horns, and alarming displays of road rage.
This hazardous situation is compounded by the fact that the traffic signal only cycles to red based on a sensor for vehicles turning right onto eastbound SR 18 towards Snoqualmie. Critically, there is no mechanism in place to interrupt the green light for westbound SR 18 drivers to allow for the safe passage of vehicles turning left onto 104th SE. The current lighted traffic sign stating “New Signal Ahead” facing SR 18 Westbound is ineffective and actively contributes to the danger by failing to provide adequate warning.
Therefore, I implore you to bring immediate attention to this critical safety issue. The current traffic controls at this intersection pose a significant threat to my family, our neighborhood, and all drivers attempting to turn left onto SE 104th Street. I urge you to advocate for immediate revisions prioritizing safety over construction expediency.
Specifically, we request WSDOT to make the following immediate traffic control revisions:
- Change the constant GREEN light facing westbound SR 18 drivers to a FLASHING YELLOW light to alert them to potential traffic interruptions.
- Revert the lighted traffic sign to its previous message: “Left on 104th SE, prepare to stop” immediately.
- Address the malfunctioning sensor for the Eastbound and Westbound SR 18 traffic.
Furthermore, as of 11:42 AM on Saturday, April 19th, the traffic light sensor at the intersection of SR 18 and 104th SE is malfunctioning. This sensor, intended to trigger a red light for eastbound and westbound SR 18 traffic to facilitate safe right turns from 104th SE onto the SR 18 lane towards Snoqualmie Ridge, is currently not working, as reported by myself and several neighbors. Consequently, the eastbound and westbound traffic lights on SR 18 remain green, even when vehicles are approaching the intersection. This adds another layer of complexity and danger to an already unsafe situation.
Thank you for your time and urgent attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your prompt response and action to report our situation, which will help rectify this dangerous situation with public visibility, the appropriate authorities, and our community.
Sincerely,
Carol Albert
Echo Lake Resident and Constituent
