EVERETT – Snarled traffic is Everett’s calling card.
The city can’t shake its reputation of having the worst stretch of I-5 in the state.
But the state Department of Transportation and city officials promise that a three-year construction project that begins today – and will bring carpool lanes and a new exit along on I-5 in Everett – will ease congestion as handily as a bottle of Nyquil.
In the meantime, however, things may get worse.
There hasn’t been any study to determine whether I-5 traffic will spill into Everett streets, because all six lanes of the freeway will remain open during the daytime, Transportation Department spokeswoman Connie Lewis said. Yet, a full three years of construction may push frustrated drivers into Everett to avoid the orange cones and flaggers.
“That’s very possible,” Lewis said. “But the majority of people traversing through won’t know about any of the shortcuts, so hopefully it won’t become any kind of a challenge to the city.”
Commuters already detour onto Broadway, Evergreen Way and Beverly Boulevard because of traffic jams before heading east or back onto I-5 north, Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson said.
He doesn’t believe Everett’s streets will be overwhelmed by I-5 traffic, but the city will re-time traffic lights to allow more flow if needed.
In the unlikely event that the city experiences an extraordinary flow of vehicles, police officers will direct traffic, city spokeswoman Kate Reardon said.
“We don’t anticipate that at all, but it’s an option,” Reardon said.
Lewis said a traffic advisory will be issued if the speed limit on I-5 is changed temporarily due to construction.
There will also be occasional lane closures during the coming months as state contractors survey utilities, Transportation Department spokeswoman Victoria Tobin said.
Pacific Avenue, 36th Street, Hewitt Avenue and Smith Avenue are among the roads that will be affected, but they won’t be closed entirely.
Reporter Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422 or kkapralos @heraldnet.com.
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