Merging lanes incite more 347 anger

As tempers calm after an Arizona Department of Transportation “breakdown” incensed countless motorists, Maricopa residents have a new target for their frustrations: merging lanes.

During the past week, northbound State Route 347 commuters have griped over odd merging patterns just north of city limits. The issue stems from the far-left lane merging into the center lane there with little warning.

It’s an odd move and Maricopans aren’t fans of the design.

“Most asinine thing ever! Who on earth approved this?” asked local resident BillieSue Moon on Facebook.

Many attributed weekend crashes and near misses to the lane.

“I was in the left lane today and almost got side swiped by someone in the right lane,” wrote Homestead resident Sarah Roose Hansen. “It is very confusing, so I am not faulting that person but there needs to be clear signage.”

But ADOT doesn’t seem to think it’s an issue, according to spokesperson Steve Elliott.

“The merge was designed in accordance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and Arizona Department of Transportation standards for a speed of 55 miles per hour,” he wrote. “The total length of the merge is approximately 1,800 feet, which conforms with those guidelines.”

In the meantime, ADOT has yet to confirm a date when the new lane will open to traffic. The lane should open by mid-May and final striping will be completed as early as late May, according to Elliott.