Why will 146th Street SW not intersect the Cross Base Highway?
Designing roadways to work well in developed urban settings requires compromise. Considering the number and locations of connector roadways is a crucial element in first-rate traffic operations. Controlling and limiting the number of access points along highways is a cost-effective way to help maintain the safety, capacity, and functional integrity of these public investments. In the case of 146th Street, this roadway would intersect the new Cross Base Highway too close to the intended signalized intersection with the Interstate 5 freeway ramps at Thorne Lane. Additionally, the new SR 704 (Thorne Lane) bridge over I-5 will be higher in elevation than the existing Thorne Lane bridge, in order to completely span over the top of the railroad tracks running parallel to I-5. This new roadway elevation will drop as the route transitions away from the freeway toward the 146th Street locale, however the new profile would likely not match well with 146th Street. Access to 146th Street from the
