J-Turn Coming to US 195

Jessica Fisher, Public Information Assistant, 509.625.6749

Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 4:33 p.m.

Do you know what a J-turn is? Washington State Department of Transportation will be adding a J-turn to the US 195 and Thorpe Road intersection.

A J-turn is a safer alternative to having an open median along a four-lane highway. Drivers will no longer utilize the center median to cross 55 mph traffic to get to the opposing lanes. Instead drivers will turn right to go north or southbound on US 195, merge into the left lane, and then make a U-turn in the direction they intend to travel, in the J-turn. Drivers will have to drive slightly further to make the J-turn but they can take the same amount of time waiting for a safe and appropriate gap to cross traffic in a traditional median. Here is a link to a video describing how to navigate a J-turn.

When this project is complete it will include two J-turns along US 195 near the Thorpe Road intersection. The project also includes paving, additional lighting and guardrail improvements.

Construction will start Monday, May 13! More information can be found on WSDOT’s website.