How to Avoid 'The Stoplight from Hell'

It has gained an ominous reputation. On FourSquare and Twitter, it's known as "The Stoplight from Hell." 

The intersection of Highway 52 and U.S. 176, as it turns from Redbank Road to St. James Avenue, is an intersection that many Creekers dread. But like any intersection, it can be avoided with the right know-how. 

Here are some alternate routes for your morning commute:

• Meeting up with I-526 from Highway 52? Try taking 52 to Liberty Hall Road to Henry E. Brown Jr./North Rhett Boulevard. 
• Meeting up with I-26 from U.S. 176? Take 176 to Myers Road to Edgebrook Drive to College Park Road to I-26. You can also try going through Crowfield Boulevard, if it's not time for school and you're further down on 176.
• Keeping on 52/78? Well, maybe just take up a new in-vehicle hobby, because the stoplight isn't completely avoidable unless you want to drive out of your way. 

Do:

• Breathe, if you happen to be caught at the light. No amount of steering wheel banging, screaming and flailing will change the timer on the light. It'll change. Relax. 
• Look at Patch's commute tab to see how traffic is before venturing out on the road. The Stoplight from Hell isn't always backed up, maybe you can leave five minutes earlier or later than normal and just scoot on through. Click here to see the commute page. 

Don't:

• Blaze a new path through a subdivision, nearly running over children and dogs. And it can be a waste of time: the subdivisions surrounding this intersection will befuddle even those with GPS with deadends and no outlets back to the main road
• Lose your temper if you get caught at the Stoplight from Hell
• Think just because you avoid one terrible intersection, you'll be scot-free until you get to your destination. 

What are your tips and tricks for dealing with the Stoplight from Hell?