Project overview
This project improves the safety at the US 2 and Colbert Road intersection in North Spokane County by installing J-Turns. WSDOT was able to secure funding to improve safety by adding J-Turns also known as RCUT's (Restricted Crossing U-Turn Intersection) to reduce the number of conflict points at the open median intersection and increase safety. The J-turns being installed will be similar to those that were constructed on US 195 at Thorpe Rd. in 2019.
Work was completed in October 2023.
What to expect
Now that the J-turns are constructed and complete, drivers will no longer be able to cross US 2 east or west on Colbert Road. Instead, drivers coming from either direction on Colbert Road will make a right turn onto US 2. Once the driver completes the right turn onto US 2, drivers may then merge safely into the left lane proceed into a dedicated turn lane to then make a U-turn once the roadway is clear, and travel the opposite direction on US 2. Drivers can then either continue on US 2 in the desired direction of travel or make a right turn onto Colbert Road to continue heading either east or west.
Those traveling either north or south on US 2 who want to make a left turn onto Colbert Road will still have the option via a dedicated left-hand turn lane at the existing median.
Project map location for the US 2 at Colbert Road intersection improvement project.
Continued growth in Spokane County and several severe and fatal collisions led to the intersection being prioritized for funding of safety improvements.
Concerns about the safety of the intersection, from the community, were also brought forth to WSDOT. In response, a series of public meetings were held both in person before COVID-19 restrictions, and virtually during restrictions. Public meetings on the intersection were held on:
- Nov. 1, 2018
- Jan. 16, 2019
- Nov. 19, 2019
- Nov. 2, 2021 - virtual public meeting
During these public meetings, the community voted on safety improvement options that were presented by WSDOT as a solution for the intersection. Options included were to leave the median as-is, close the median, restrict the crossing and allow left turns only, left turns only with a southbound acceleration lane, or the option of constructing J-Turns.
J-Turns were chosen at the public meeting as the preferred option that was presented by WSDOT as a solution. Once an option was selected, WSDOT was able to secure funding for the project and move it forward to design and construction.
