New intersection improvements along Rucker and Pacific avenues aim to help big rigs better move their high and heavy cargo between the Port of Everett and I-5.
The city’s 41st Street freight mobility project tackles what the Port calls “the first/last mile.”
Crews are installing taller signal poles, expanding turn lanes and adjusting curbing to allow for larger turning radii, among other improvements. Work is slated to wrap up by May. Crews earlier moved underground utilities in preparation for the work.
Major intersections getting attention are W Marine View Drive and Pacific Avenue, Pacific Avenue and Rucker Avenue, and Rucker Avenue and 41st Street. Other intersections along the way also are seeing improvements.
The Port of Everett is the state’s third-largest container port and continues to expand to accommodate larger ships and heavier cargo. But the Port already handles some hefty stuff, including oversized aerospace parts and wind farm blades.
Heavy trucks heading between the Port and I-5 have been using Rucker Avenue since a new interchange was built at 41st Street — about 1,050 trucks each day.
The grades along this route are flatter and more favorable than using Everett Avenue or Pacific Avenue alone, city engineer Ryan Sass said. Current improvements recognize that shift.
This is the first phase of a long-range project.
Design, right of way acquisition and construction together are estimated at nearly $4.5 million. A $1.8 million federal grant and $1.5 million from the state gas tax hike, Connecting Washington, cover the bulk of that bill. Also chipping in were the Port, at $430,000, and the Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, at $400,000. The city’s portion is $291,000.
A second, much larger phase will include a full realignment of the roadway, so that northbound Rucker Avenue leads directly to northbound W Marine View Drive, Sass said.
That work is estimated at $36.5 million. Funding already is set aside in the 2015 Connecting Washington transportation package.
Design work is expected in 2021 at the earliest. The city would then need to purchase right of way. Money for construction itself will kick in around 2025.
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