New lane coming to busy Highway 9 intersection

Published 1:30 am Friday, October 14, 2016

SNOHOMISH — An added lane on a busy feeder road to Highway 9 is expected to be completed late this month.

Contractor crews working for the city of Snohomish are adding an additional lane eastbound on 30th Street. The new lane will be for drivers turning right onto southbound Highway 9 or heading through the intersection into the city.

The existing lane will be converted into a dedicated left-turn lane for drivers turning onto northbound Highway 9. A new signal with a left-turn arrow is part of the planned changes.

The intersection has become increasingly busy since development of Snohomish Station. The added lane is aimed at reducing backups.

The project also adds sidewalk, curb and gutter improvements.

Mostly single-lane closures will continue until the project is complete. Work is weather-dependent.

The city didn’t get the federal grant it was hoping for to help fund construction, said Steve Schuller, public works director. But staff were successful in getting a state grant of more than $700,000.

Total project design and construction costs are expected to top $1 million. Local tax dollars cover $215,000 of that bill through Transportation Benefit District funds.

The 30th Street widening was the second of two construction projects approved for Transportation Benefit District funds. A roundabout also was added in 2014 at 15th Street and Avenue D using the funds. Remaining Transportation District Funds will be dedicated to pavement preservation on city streets, Schuller said.

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