Have you driven the new I-5 at the 16 exchange? I use to drive over to the “other side” about 4 days per week and that 
spot merging onto the I-5 always scared me to death!! I had no idea how many accidents were. Being out of the area the last couple of years I had no idea what all the construction was about. So when I heard on KIRO that the new lanes would be opened I was like – oh, that is what that is!!! Yesterday was the first time I drove over to Seattle from Bremerton and oh WOW!!! What a change!! How smooth the transition is from 16 to Northbound I-5 is amazing!! I didn’t feel like I was in a race to change lanes with traffic just barreling down on me!! Loved it!!! Here is a great article from The News Tribune if you missed it. There is also a map so you can view the changes. I love the new I-5 interchange!!
Have you driven this stretch yet? How did you like it? Do you feel that the cost is worth the accident reduction. During a two year period (2003-2004) there were 366 accidents on this section per the DOT. The DOT estimates there will be a reduction of 75 per year with the new configuration. I couldn’t find the actual cost but I do believe this project was included in the 2005 gas tax plan.
