When Jackson Ave became an HOV only exit back in the day, it caused considerable consternation among many Gig Harbor bound travelers. I hear that some used to park their car, walk around the overpass and peak under it to see whether there was a cop hiding there. Apparently it took less time to do that than to use the Pearl on-ramp.
The main reason that Jackson went HOV-only was that the gridlock caused by the bridge would spill out on to Jackson and cause horrendous gridlock all over West Tacoma. Jackson, 6th, and 12th on really bad days, would jam up with cars trying to get across the bridge. I recall hear that the DOT estimate was 70% of the bridge traffic either got on or got off at Jackson at the time. Crazy!
Now, with no bridge congestion, I'm guessing Jackson can go back to handling the traffic again. Here's the Tribune update.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Jackson Ave is free and clear
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1 comments:
Where do you live? Residents need the HOV lane to remain, not to be opened. Can you get out of your driveway in the summer months? People along Jackson can't get out of their driveways. Even though the freeway is moving does not mean the "neighbhorhood" streets are moving. I've lived in the area for over 30 years. The HOV lane is the least the city/state can do for us high paying tax payers on the west end. Besides, doesn't this meet your going green needs? It should. Oh, but you want to use the HOV lane and go green based on what's convenient versus what is needed. So before you jump on your pogo stick, think about where the traffic should go. The business district lobbied so hard for their MUCs, so let them absord the traffic that includes 6th Avenue and Pearl Street, not Jackson Avenue.
Keep the HOV lanes, otherwise don't complain about overcrowded streets with one occupancy vehicles!
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