A safer crossing for joggers and cyclists is coming to a busy “T” intersection at the far north end of Everett, though the work is a ways off yet.
Bicycle commuter Michelle Barnes of Everett writes: “Any chance the city is considering putting in a stop light at Alverson Boulevard and West Marine View Drive? Traffic is steady on Marine View eastbound, and starting about 3:30-4:00 backs up to (and often through) this intersection.
“The lane used to get onto the trestle is full of cars at a stop, but the inside lane has traffic whizzing by. As a biker or pedestrian, it is impossible and unsafe to cross. If I do dare to dart out and make it through those two lanes, then I am stuck in the turn lane while I wait for westbound traffic to pass. … Any fix in sight?”
Don’t you just love it when the answer is “yes”?
Marla Carter, a spokeswoman for Everett Public Works, responds: “We have a safety grant to install rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) at this intersection with associated signs, curb ramps and sidewalk improvements. These will be similar to the ones installed on Mukilteo Boulevard at 42nd Street. The likely construction time frame will be fall 2017. We have no current plans to signalize this intersection. The RRFB has proven to have a high safety benefit to pedestrians and bikes needing to cross busy streets. Supplemental RRFB and signs will be placed in the median so even the inside lane she mentions will have a clear notification when it is activated.”
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