Temporary freeway exit confusing drivers

02:14 PM CDT on Sunday, October 3, 2004

By Wendell Edwards / 11 News

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KHOU-TV Tx-DOT said the construction design is only temporary.

Driving in Houston can be tricky. Add construction near 610 and I-10 and things can get quite confusing.

Drivers said the problem is an early exit that sneaks up on them.

When you're driving on the 610 Loop you sometimes have to make quick decisions.

One driver who decided to change lanes at the last minute ended up stuck in the median.

Driver Mary Lee Camarata said the reconstruction there is catching a lot of motorists off guard.

"In my case, I saw to cars swerve ahead of me to get into the right lane," said Camarata.

People driving south on this part of 610 can use the intersection to exit east onto I-10 or West onto the Katy Freeway.

But Camarata said the new design, complete with a barrier, is forcing some to make that decision in split second.

"This is much worse. It is scary and somebody's going to get hurt," said Camarata.

One driver was seen putting it in reverse to correct his mistake.

Tx-DOT said they are aware of what is going on out there and said the construction design is only temporary.

The design is only two weeks old, part of the reconstruction of that intersection.

Camarata wants new signs to warn drivers earlier about the barrier and help erase the confusion.

I won't come this way and I hope they make a correction to make it at least safer," said Camarata.

Making the correction so drivers won't have to do it themselves.