Malfunction Junction

WOODY MARSHALL, The Telegraph
Here’s one more reason why I hardly ever go through the I-75/I-16 interchange.

Out of habit, I go around it. After all, experience is the best teacher.

An 18-wheeler filled with butane lighters overturned at Malfunction Junction during rush hour Wednesday morning.

But the accident was more than just a flick of a few Bics.

It sent black smoke spiraling across the Macon skyline and a giant ball of fire that caused more than a few anxious moments.

It backed up traffic for hours on one of the nation's major interstates. Talk about a clogged artery.

I’ve written before about my aversion to the I-16/I-75 split. I avoid it if at all possible. It is the one of the worst examples of highway planning I have ever seen.

There are sharp curves, lane changes and too much decision-making for vehicles traveling at interstate speeds. It is compounded by drivers (and especially truck drivers) who are going too fast for conditions.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re heading I-75 northbound, I-16 westbound, I-75 southbound or I-16 eastbound, it is the confluence of a nightmare.

Pretzel logic.

Almost every time I travel it, I want to pick up my cell phone, call the architect and ask: WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?????!!!!!!?????

The redesign has been debated for years. I wonder if all parties are ever going to come to an agreement.

In the meantime, just call me Mr. Detour.