Letter Urgent Concerns Regarding Hazardous Traffic Revisions at Echo Lake and SE 104th Street

Carol Albert, representing the Echo Lake neighborhood, voiced serious safety concerns in a letter to Living Snoqualmie regarding recent traffic changes by WSDOT and Aecon Construction at the intersection of Echo Lake Road/SE 104th Street and State Route 18. She noted that while a temporary traffic light initially improved conditions, the current setup has introduced significant hazards for drivers, particularly those attempting left turns onto SE 104th Street. Albert criticized the prioritization of construction traffic, which she claims has led to reckless driving behavior and increased road rage incidents. She described how the combination of a constant green light for westbound SR 18 and a misleading “STOP when on RED” sign creates confusion and danger for drivers. Albert urged WSDOT to change the traffic signal to a flashing yellow light to alert westbound drivers of potential interruptions and revert the lighted traffic sign to indicate the need to stop for left turns.

She also reported a malfunctioning traffic sensor that fails to facilitate safe turning movements from SE 104th Street. Albert's letter seeks immediate action to improve safety at this critical intersection for the benefit of local residents. Her plea underscores the need for WSDOT to prioritize community safety over construction timelines.