Highway 9 crash barriers replace big yellow barrels

Published 10:40 pm Sunday, May 9, 2010

T.J. McDermott of Lake Stevens writes: The new four-lane section of Highway 9 through the Snohomish River valley is doing its job; congestion is drastically reduced and driving through here is a treat. But I wonder if the job in this area is complete.

The trucks and safety barrels are gone, so the state must think work is done. Yet at each end of this newly widened stretch of highway, there are no crash barriers at the start of the metal railings separating north and south traffic.

One would expect to see the familiar collapsible yellow barrels or barriers. Instead, there seems to be a half-dozen or so wooden posts holding up the metal rails, transitioning to metal posts.

Are the wooden posts going to absorb the impact of a crash, or are they there because they’re easier and less expensive to replace when struck? Should there be a proper crash barrier at the north and south ends of the metal barrier here?

Bronlea Mishler, spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation, responds: The metal guardrail that separates the northbound and southbound lanes is complete, and does actually include a collapsible crash barrier. While the most visible crash barriers are usually yellow barriers or barrels, this barrier actually blends into the guardrail itself.

The driver has a good eye for the different posts located at the ends of the guardrail. While the majority of the guardrail posts are metal, the posts near the end are made of wood. These wooden posts break away upon impact, which helps absorb the energy of a vehicle hitting the guardrail, much in the same way that the yellow barriers or barrels do.

Stop sign needed?

Julie Hanner of Marysville asks: When traveling west on 100th Street NE in Marysville there is a new stoplight at 51st Avenue NE near Cascade Elementary. About a block-and-a-half west, at 48th Avenue NE, is a three-way stop sign. I think this is an unnecessary stop because traffic from the south is pretty scarce. During busy times this stop sign clogs what would be a good arterial because of the stoplight. Are there any plans to make 100th flow better toward State Avenue?

John Tatum, traffic engineer for the city of Marysville, responds: The traffic signal and stop signs all are needed for safety of pedestrians in the area.

These intersections are part of the walking route for Cascade Elementary School. There is no walkway on the north side of the road. The facility for seniors on the southwest corner of 48th has a high percentage of non-motorists who use this intersection. These two age groups are the most at risk pedestrian groups we have.

In fact, as the result of a study, instead of removing the all-way stop, the city has increased the street lighting in the area to the west and is reducing the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph. The first 25 mph signs went up last week. Signs are on order to also reduce the speed limit on the east end of 100th to 30 mph from 35 mph. Look for those within the month.

The signal at 51st was planned by Snohomish County before the area became part of Marysville at the end of last year, and was recently installed. The city would like to replace the stop signs at 48th with a traffic signal, which would better move traffic while keeping pedestrians safe, but funds are not available at this time.

E-mail Street Smarts at stsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your city of residence.