Response to letter of concern about Aurora turn lane

Glen Lagrou expressed his concerns about the turn lane closure on Aurora in his letter published yesterday. Today, he received a response explaining the reason for the closure.

Hello Glen,  

Thank you for contacting us with your concerns. You’re correct that there is currently no work in the area of 244th and Aurora. However, the right turn lane is closed due to safety concerns because the road configuration on Aurora has changed from the original conditions. The traffic shift transitions back to the existing northbound lanes just past the right turn lane, north of the Aurora and 244th intersection. If the right turn lane on 244th Street was kept open, it would create a very dangerous merge for the right turn traffic with the traffic on the Aurora. Drivers attempting to make the right turn would have trouble seeing cars quickly approaching from the left because the sight line would be blocked from our construction barriers. 

We apologize for the inconvenience, but safety takes precedence in these conditions. Until we are able to safely open this lane up, motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes to avoid the congestion. 

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call the 24-hour hotline at (206) 801-2485 or email aurora@shorelinewa.gov. 

Rochelle Stowe

Aurora Corridor Project

N 192nd to N 205th Streets

City of Shoreline

Glen says that the response makes sense. "The turn lane closure is less about moving traffic through 205th and more about safety issues caused by lane revisions on Aurora. I wish it wasn't the case. With heavy construction on 200th there isn't an alternate route that isn't a half mile away."