The construction work on the interchange going out to Selah from First Street and merging with I82 has been done, for the most part, since this past October. While it was under construction, it was hectic and, in the bad weather, was a nightmare for some. Even though the construction part of the job is complete, I don’t believe the work is finished, and it almost caused a wreck this Saturday night.

My brother and I had just finished visiting our dad and were heading back to Selah from 40th on Highway 12. We took the freeway and used the Selah exit that loops you into a full circle and then puts you onto the I82. It was dark and raining, and the car in front of us was having difficulty.

Yakima Selah Free Way Exchange Map
Google Maps
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As complicated-looking as the exchange appears, they did a good job. Except, they have YET to repaint the lines. You can see (in the upcoming pictures taken 2 days later) where the paint lines were during the construction, but in spots missing, the new lines are missing.

Road from Yakima to Selah
tsm/Timmy!
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Road from Yakima to Selah
tsm/Timmy!
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The lines can be very deceiving in the dark. What is new, what is old, and what is just concrete cover-up? It can be hard to tell, especially in bad weather. You could argue that the car in front of us probably shouldn’t have been on the road that night if they were having a hard time seeing in bad conditions. I don’t think the driver was intoxicated, and I honestly believe he was trying to watch the (non-existent/false) lines.

Road from Yakima to Selah
tsm/Timmy!
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The car in question took to the left to merge off of I82 towards Ellensburg to get in the far left lane to enter Selah. As he did that, he kept going to the left, hitting, and bouncing off the barrier. Sure, it could have been a lack of judgment or a distraction. But watching him, my brother and I believe he was watching and relying on the false lines too much, and BAM!

Road from Yakima to Selah
tsm/Timmy!
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He did not stop, and as far as damage goes, I’m sure the car’s side got pretty scraped up. Just a couple of sparks, and that was it. But it could have been so much work. I hate that interchange being blocked off again for MORE construction, but I’d hate for someone to have a fatal accident because of unfinished lines more.

Road from Yakima to Selah
tsm/Timmy!
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What are your thoughts? Have you had any issues with the paint lines? How would you improve that area? What other places in Yakima do you think need improvement? Tap the App and let us know.

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