Employees working for the company that invented the first commercial French fry might have to "pardon their French" if this feared traffic congestion is fully realized. The Simplot headquarters was built with just two vehicle access/exit points for more than 600 employees, and that design decision may later result in some choice words from delayed drivers.
But maybe not. ACHD is prepared with several options to address any potential problems. While there isn't currently a left-turn arrow on 11th turning onto Front, ACHD could add one. However, that would likely require taking "green" time away from Front drivers. That road carries more than 4,000 vehicles during the peak evening commute hour, and shorter green lights could create delays as far back as Broadway Avenue.
Instead, more left-turn time for 11th could be found by decreasing the length of the through-traffic green light on 11th. But that might mean taking out the crosswalk on the west side of the intersection because there would no longer be enough time for pedestrians to cross.
Adding a second left-turn lane is doable, but comes with its own downsides, such as the loss of a flashing yellow left-turn arrow option. ACHD will decide on the best approach after observing drivers going home once the headquarters is fully staffed.
