Date:  Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Contact: Dustin Terpening, Communications, 360-757-5997 (Burlington)
Dina Swires, Traffic Engineer, 206-276-5763 (Burlington)

BELLINGHAM – There have been zero injuries at the intersection of Britton Road and Mount Baker Highway (SR 542) since a left-hand turn lane was installed in August 2008.

As part of a low-cost safety improvement project, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) installed a turn lane and refuge lane to help drivers turn on and off the highway.

In the four years before (2004-2007) WSDOT installed the turn lane, there were 34 collisions that resulted in three serious injuries, six evident injuries and six possible injuries, according to reports from the Washington State Patrol.

In the 18 months following the turn lane installation, there were five collisions and no injuries – a significant reduction in frequency and severity. One of the crashes involved a drunk driver.

“The turn and refuge lanes have made a huge difference at that intersection,” said WSDOT assistant regional administrator Todd Harrison. “It’s pretty astounding to compare the before-and-after crash data, especially from a societal-cost standpoint.”

In recent years, the intersection had seen an increasing number of rear-end collisions. The turn and refuge lanes help prevent these kinds of traffic incidents.

WSDOT installed the turn lane for approximately $80,000.

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