Lake Stevens trees cut to prepare for road widening

Published 8:47 pm Sunday, June 20, 2010

K. Clark of Marysville writes: I frequently drive on Highway 9, near Lake Stevens. I am wondering about some foliage that was cut along the east side of Highway 9 between Soper Hill Road and Lundeen Parkway. Brush was cut along with some sizable fir trees.

I wonder if the downed foliage will be cleared away or just left as it is. There are large branches and long logs that have been left on the steep slope that is much higher than the roadway. I see this not only as an eyesore, but also as a safety concern.

Dave Chesson, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, responds: The trees and brush were cut back in preparation for the widening of Highway 9 between Lundeen Parkway and Highway 92. Crews will begin work this week by installing signs, erosion control and high-visibility fencing, among other things.

The contractor will remove the wood and debris during the early stages of construction. The trees were cut down on the east side of the highway this winter to ensure birds didn’t build nests in the trees we needed removed before construction began this spring. More trees on the west side of the highway also will be removed, but later in the season, when the bird nesting season is over. The trees currently on the ground do not present a safety hazard for drivers.

An additional lane in each direction, turn lanes and improved signals will keep drivers safer and reduce congestion and travel times. Drivers will likely see some delays during construction, but the majority of work will be done without closing lanes to help keep traffic moving. Work requiring lane closures will mostly be completed at night. Work is expected to be completed in 2011. You can find more information on our website at http://tinyurl.com/SR9Work.

Turn signal too short

Haven Borgias of Everett writes: I travel 100th Street SW toward Fourth Avenue W. every day around 3:30 p.m. The light at the intersection of 100th and Evergreen Way is, of course, timed so traffic on Evergreen can move more efficiently. My light sometimes lasts barely enough time for one car (about five seconds) to get through before turning yellow.

In the morning and the afternoon (on the Boeing and school cycle) there are often more than four or five cars waiting to cross Evergreen at each light cycle. Those waiting to turn left are often unable to do so due to opposing traffic. The only way traffic moves across this intersection is when there are pedestrians and they have the crossing signal, which lasts about 20 seconds.

Can this intersection light cycle be timed to give those of us on 100th a little more time to cross?

Dongho Chang, traffic engineer for the city of Everett, responds: The signal will give about 30 seconds of green time in the morning and 28 seconds of green time on 100th Street SW during the afternoon peak. The city has repaired a malfunctioning vehicle sensor, which was shortening the green time for 100th Street.

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