A couple weeks ago there was a newspaper article about the worst intersections in town; those that get a D or F grade for their level of service. I waited for the "official thread" to appear, but it never did. So, I started to post my own, but then I thought to myself:

"Gosh, how terribly boring!"

Do we really need to be reminded every couple of years about the same intersections that we all know to avoid at certain times of day (or always)? Is it interesting to grouse about the city spending another x-thousand dollars to fund another study to confirm that, for example, upgrading 7th and Durston without adding left turn arrows didn't really change anything? Not really.

I would be more interested to hear how others avoid traffic nightmares in the area. If you have lived here even a few months you know which routes to avoid to get through your errands/commute/joyride without losing patience. So, without giving to much away, what tips or shortcuts can you offer?

Here's one to start off:

Downtown to Target: I take Rouse to Oak, jump across 7th to Baxter Lane, then take Simmental (turn right at Hilton Inn) to Cattail and across 19th. I completely avoid the stop-and-go hell of Main and North 19th, without any extra miles, and it is actually faster than going out to the freeway.

Now you go. Funny relevant stories also welcome!