Fort Worth Drivers Confused By I-35W Frontage Road Signals
A new traffic signal at Interstate 35W and the Basswood Boulevard overpass is confusing motorists, some of whom wonder why lights are pointing in both directions of a frontage road that they think is one-way. Apparently there is a not very well-marked stretch of two-way frontage road at that intersection. This could potentially cause serious car accidents.
Texas Transportation Department officials, who installed the signals late last month, said that they will take a look at the intersection to see whether there are safety concerns. They have received no complaints, and no major accidents because of the configuration have been reported, although drivers who use the area regularly see the danger.
Many northbound motorists, preparing to enter I-35W, mistakenly use the southbound side of the two-way frontage road, not realizing they're on the wrong side of the road. This is probably because the only warning of this two way frontage road is an orange highway sign on the frontage road north of Basswood about 30 feet after the two-way traffic begins.
Hopefully, the Texas Transportation Department can fix this minor problem before it becomes a major problem. Luckily, there have been no major accidents, but it is still something that needs to be fixed, especially if it’s confusing motorists. Drivers could potentially get distracted by the idea of a two-way frontage road, which could indirectly cause an accident. The most common cause of car accidents is not paying attention. And the problem here is that drivers might be paying attention, and that could get them further confused because the roadway signs are confusing.
Information and commentary is provided by the Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.
