Jordan Hansen

Cars drive through the interchange near 88th street on Thursday, June 27, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Tulalip I-5 project gets $5M federal boost

Upgrades at Fourth Street and 88th Street NE are part of a tribal project expected to cost over $60 million.

Cars drive through the interchange near 88th street on Thursday, June 27, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett

Lane closures coming to I-5 in Everett this weekend

Prepare to have one less lane Saturday and Sunday mornings as you drive through Everett.

Everett
Sno-Isle Libraries Executive Director Lois Langer Thompson speaks during a press conference and groundbreaking for the SR 530 Broadband Project on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Darrington Fire District Station 38 outside Darrington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Notoriously slow internet gets a boost on Highway 530 corridor

A $17 million federal grant is helping improve connectivity between Arlington and Darrington, especially at community hubs.

Sno-Isle Libraries Executive Director Lois Langer Thompson speaks during a press conference and groundbreaking for the SR 530 Broadband Project on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Darrington Fire District Station 38 outside Darrington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
People walk along Olympic Avenue past Lifeway Cafe and Olympic Theater that currently hosts Lifeway Church on Friday, July 7, 2023 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Arlington churches waged covert ‘battle’ against Pride event, records show

Sermons, emails and interviews reveal how an LGBTQ+ nonprofit became the target of a covert campaign by local evangelical leaders.

People walk along Olympic Avenue past Lifeway Cafe and Olympic Theater that currently hosts Lifeway Church on Friday, July 7, 2023 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Monroe in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118

Roundabout construction may slow traffic around Monroe

A state project to put a roundabout on Highway 203 will close a heavily used intersection for days starting Friday.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Monroe in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
The intersection of Larch Way, Logan Road and Locust Way on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Alderwood Manor, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Roundabout project to shut down major Bothell intersection for months

The $4.5 million project will rebuild the four-way stop at Larch and Locust ways. The detour will stretch for miles.

The intersection of Larch Way, Logan Road and Locust Way on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Alderwood Manor, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Barlow Pass Trailhead is the end of the line on the Verlot side of Mountain Loop Highway during the road’s closure on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in rural Snohomish County, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Washington hikers rejoice: Renewed road to Mount Pilchuck, Mountain Loop to open

The notoriously rough route to an iconic hike got a makeover. And the full Mountain Loop Highway, with routine repairs, opens Monday.

Barlow Pass Trailhead is the end of the line on the Verlot side of Mountain Loop Highway during the road’s closure on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in rural Snohomish County, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
PUD employee Kyle Tucker opens part of the breaker system at the Jennings Park Substation in Marysville, Washington on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

With eye on growing county, PUD replaces aging Marysville substation

The $8.4 million project north of Jennings Park is expected to be finished in October. It’s one part of a 10-year PUD plan.

PUD employee Kyle Tucker opens part of the breaker system at the Jennings Park Substation in Marysville, Washington on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The gate at Barlow Pass Trailhead on Mountain Loop Highway remains closed due to wet conditions on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in rural Snohomish County, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Hikers rejoice: Renewed road to Mount Pilchuck, Mountain Loop to open

The notoriously rough route to an iconic hike got a makeover. And the full Mountain Loop Highway, with routine repairs, opens Monday.

The gate at Barlow Pass Trailhead on Mountain Loop Highway remains closed due to wet conditions on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in rural Snohomish County, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Two workers walk past a train following a press event at the Lynnwood City Center Link Station on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Trains up and running on Lynnwood Link — but no passengers quite yet

Officials held an event at the Lynnwood station announcing the start of “pre-revenue” service. Passengers still have to wait till August.

Two workers walk past a train following a press event at the Lynnwood City Center Link Station on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The I-5, Highway 529 and the BNSF railroad bridges cross over Union Slough as the main roadways for north and southbound traffic between Everett and Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Highway 529 squeeze starts now between Everett, Marysville

Following a full closure for a night, starting late Sunday, Highway 529 will slim down to two lanes for months near the Snohomish River Bridge.

The I-5, Highway 529 and the BNSF railroad bridges cross over Union Slough as the main roadways for north and southbound traffic between Everett and Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

A tale of two bridges: County finally moving on from wooden spans

Snohomish County is replacing a timber bridge near Bothell. It’s part of a push to replace dozens of old bridges around the county.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A starling occupies a hole in a power line pole along 103rd Avenue SE on Friday, May 31, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Woodpeckers blamed for $1.5M in utility pole damage near Lake Stevens

Birds and insects decimated 18 out of 19 damaged poles in the Bunk Foss area. Now, Snohomish County PUD will install less-tasty metal poles.

A starling occupies a hole in a power line pole along 103rd Avenue SE on Friday, May 31, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The I-5, Highway 529 and the BNSF railroad bridges cross over Union Slough as the main roadways for north and southbound traffic between Everett and Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Highway 529 closure between Everett and Marysville delayed by weather

The key alternative route to I-5 was slated to be fully closed overnight Saturday. Now, June 8 is being circled as the date.

The I-5, Highway 529 and the BNSF railroad bridges cross over Union Slough as the main roadways for north and southbound traffic between Everett and Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Rep. Suzanne DelBene and Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto Wright walk past a future apartment development during a tour and discussion with community leaders regarding the Mountlake Terrace Main Street Revitalization project on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

As Mountlake Terrace grows, so does housing around light rail

City officials lauded a new apartment complex and accepted a $850,000 check, as Mountlake Terrace continues work on Town Center plan.

Rep. Suzanne DelBene and Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto Wright walk past a future apartment development during a tour and discussion with community leaders regarding the Mountlake Terrace Main Street Revitalization project on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
State Trooper Isaiah Oliver speaks to a BNSF worker at mile marker 31.7 as road closures and evacuations mount in response to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

As wildfires creep west of Cascades, county plans for next Bolt Creek

Wildfires are an increasing concern in Snohomish County. A new project aims to develop a better plan.

State Trooper Isaiah Oliver speaks to a BNSF worker at mile marker 31.7 as road closures and evacuations mount in response to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Trestle’s junction with I-5 is under evaluation (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Here’s your chance to give feedback on the US 2 trestle and its future

Often feel overwhelmed, vulnerable and on shaky ground? So is the trestle. A new $17 million study seeks solutions for the route east of Everett.

The Trestle’s junction with I-5 is under evaluation (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
A cyclist heads along Federal Avenue past a bike route sign near 46th Street SE on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Bike sign project marks lanes, distances for Everett cyclists

Around the city, crews are putting up over 200 signs, geared toward helping bicyclists find their way around.

A cyclist heads along Federal Avenue past a bike route sign near 46th Street SE on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
An airplane is parked at Gate M9 on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois. (Jordan Hansen/The Herald)

Good luck to Memorial Day travelers: If you’re like me, you’ll need it

I spent a night in the Chicago airport. I wouldn’t recommend it — but with flight delays near an all-time high, you might want to pack a pillow.

An airplane is parked at Gate M9 on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois. (Jordan Hansen/The Herald)
Community Transit leaders, from left, Chief Communications Officer Geoff Patrick, Zero-Emissions Program Manager Jay Heim, PIO Monica Spain, Director of Maintenance Mike Swehla and CEO Ric Ilgenfritz stand in front of Community Transit’s hydrogen-powered bus on Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Community Transit Operations Base in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

New hydrogen, electric buses get trial run in Snohomish County

As part of a zero-emission pilot program from Community Transit, the hydrogen bus will be the first in the Puget Sound area.

Community Transit leaders, from left, Chief Communications Officer Geoff Patrick, Zero-Emissions Program Manager Jay Heim, PIO Monica Spain, Director of Maintenance Mike Swehla and CEO Ric Ilgenfritz stand in front of Community Transit’s hydrogen-powered bus on Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Community Transit Operations Base in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)