Home / Disasters and Accidents / Tacoma Intersection a 'Freeway' of Danger
Tacoma Intersection a 'Freeway' of Danger
3 Aug
Summary
- Speeding vehicles cause frequent crashes and property damage.
- Residents report near-fatal incidents and rising insurance costs.
- City officials cite funding as a barrier to safety improvements.
The intersection of McKinley Avenue and Division Lane in Tacoma has become a significant safety concern for residents and businesses, with frequent speeding incidents leading to collisions and property damage. Jordan Zornes has witnessed four crashes and had two parked cars totaled at this location, experiencing near-fatal incidents that leave him with lasting trauma.
Business owner Justin Everman describes McKinley Avenue as a "freeway," noting that drivers speed downhill and lose control near the Division Lane intersection, often striking parked cars. Residents have filed multiple 311 complaints regarding poor visibility and faded lane lines, while South Sound 911 has logged numerous calls related to reckless driving and collisions.
City Council member Sandesh Sadalge acknowledges the concerns but points to a need for funding for improvements. While temporary measures like bulbouts and a street mural were installed in 2023, and the intersection is on the city's six-year transportation improvement plan, permanent solutions are contingent on securing financial resources.
Officials highlight the upcoming August ballot's Proposition 1, a tax levy for street repairs, as crucial for addressing these safety needs. They emphasize that without adequate funding, significant improvements cannot be made, leaving residents to question when serious action will be taken to prevent a tragedy.
