That's similar to the one I made except mine was open end.
The problem could have been completely alleviated by simply making the headers 1" longer. That would move the crossover pipe enough so you could easily get a hand on it and it wouldn't be in the way of anything else.

“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell

It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.