Busy Great Falls Intersection Changes to Right Turn Only

All in the name of safety.  This busy intersection has seen it's fair share of auto accidents.  Some bad accidents.  So this change is a good thing!  6th Ave NW at 3rd St NW is now a Right Turn Only.  Hurray!  Besides, it wasn't that easy turning left when the speed limit on 3rd was 40 miles per hour.  Sometimes I felt like a racecar driver trying to jump through oncoming traffic (coming at you at 40 mph) while turning left to safely merge (at 40 mph) with oncoming traffic.

The new intersection comes with new curbing and pavement markings that should get your attention.  If not, you will realize pretty quickly that you can't turn left.  So don't do it!  Could cost you if make that left turn.  Traffic violations start at $50 and skyrocket from there, but getting the ticket isn't the only thing that will cost you.  Your insurance will probably take a bigger hit.  The kind of hit that you would continue to pay for years to come.

There were a few suggestions on Facebook about the new intersection and my favorite comes from Darlene Palagi and Ryan Perrin.

I am going to have to agree with Ryan.  Sorry, but there are a lot of drivers in Great Falls who lose any and all of their driving skills at the roundabout.  We only have one!  Thank goodness.  Let's all hope it stays that way.  In the mean time, drive safe.