Interchange Completed in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. After an expenditure of $40 million and ongoing construction for two years, the interchange at Watt Avenue has been completed.
Increased Safety at the Interchange
Sacramento residents know that in the past drivers approached the Watt Avenue/Highway 50 interchange with trepidation. Heavy traffic, too few lanes and tricky ramps with few options for pedestrians and bicyclists made it dangerous. Although a long time in coming, the new interchange is a huge improvement for the estimated 80,000 users daily.
Delayed Openings
Buses provided by Sacramento Regional Transit, bicycle riders and pedestrians will be delayed in using their new lanes. The bus lanes aren’t expected to open for at least six months. The bike lane, also for use by pedestrians, is scheduled to open in the middle of January. It is hoped that this new addition will lower the incidence of bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. However, the additional motor vehicle lanes and improved ramps are open. Drivers seem pleased with the changes.
Not All the Problems Are Solved
Fair Oaks and Watt Avenue congestion and backups remain a problem. John Jaeger, the project engineer for Sacramento County, says it isn’t easy to solve. While placing an option to turn right onto Fair Oaks from Watt was suggested, the cost is an issue. According to Jaeger, a complex of apartments and a gasoline station would be impacted by making the road wider.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access
The path for bicycle riders and pedestrians provides safe access to subdivisions being constructed near Folsom Boulevard. It also includes passage to the recreation trail at American River. These well-lit underpasses are wide, short and provide good visibility for those using them.
Accident Statistics in Sacramento
The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 3,670 deaths and injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents in 2014 in Sacramento. Alcohol was a factor in 410 of these accidents. There were 1,123 arrests made for DUI that year. Pedestrians were involved in 193 and bicyclists in 213. The National Safety Council reported a 6-percent increase in motor vehicle accident fatalities in 2016. A spokesperson for the OTC stated that part of the increase was due to prescription drug use and to distracted driving caused by texting or talking on a cell phone.
Injuries Caused by Accidents
Although the new interchange should help with some of Sacramento’s traffic problems, accidents still happen. Injuries can include head or brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries or internal injuries. Any of these can require extensive hospitalization, time off from work and cause financial problems. When you or a family member has become an accident victim, a seasoned injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve. An experienced lawyer can gather all the documentation needed to prove your claim and mount a strong case to recover damages.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Whether you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle, pedestrian or bicycle accident caused by negligence, I can help. Call or (800) 404-5400 and ask for Ed Smith. My friendly advice is free. If you prefer, you can access our online form here.
For 35 years, I have practiced as an injury lawyer in Sacramento and Northern California. My firm deals exclusively with personal injuries, including wrongful deaths and traumatic injuries.
Experience counts when you seek a lawyer to defend your rights. At Verdicts and Settlement, you can see a list of some of our cases. Find my client reviews at Yelp, Avvo and at Google.
I belong to Million Dollar Advocates. All its members have won settlements or trial verdicts of at least $1 million.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/riga-aerial-view-night-traffic-2935039/
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