A traffic signal controller cabinet by the sidewalk at the southeast corner of 41st Street and Colby Avenue is adorned with a North Cascades scene on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

A traffic signal controller cabinet by the sidewalk at the southeast corner of 41st Street and Colby Avenue is adorned with a North Cascades scene on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Everett’s new art installation is a real traffic-stopper

EVERETT — The city’s colorful new art installation is a real traffic stopper.

And it didn’t cost taxpayers a cent.

What’s up with that?

It’s a traffic signal controller cabinet by the sidewalk at the southeast corner of 41st Street and Colby Avenue. Instead of steely gray, the tall vertical box is adorned with a popular North Cascades scene of a snow-capped mountain reflected in bright blue lake water.

It’s something pretty and calming while you anxiously wait for the light to change.

Kathleen Baxter, spokeswoman for the city’s Public Works department, said the vinyl wrap was a free option by the cabinet supplier.

Accepting it was a no-brainer.

“Well, if it’s no cost, why don’t we see how it works and give it a try?” she said. “We’ve been wanting to try it. It was a good location.”

The corner is along the corridor that is part of the 41st Street Freight Mobility Improvements project for better traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

TrafficWrapz, a company specializing in protective film to beautify ugly utility objects, installed the wrap.

Baxter said the city’s traffic engineering division selected the scene showing Mount Shuksan reflected in Picture Lake from thousands of choices. Mount Shuksan, which is near Mount Baker, is one of most photographed mountains in Washington state.

Utility boxes are a magnet for graffiti, a ready canvas for gangs and teens with spray cans.

“(The wrap) is supposed to be graffiti resistant,” Baxter said.

Cities worldwide, including several in Washington, are transforming signal cabinets into artful masterpieces.

Lynnwood has decorated two, with a third in the works, said Fred Wong, Lynnwood’s community programs coordinator.

“It’s an economical way to add art, beauty and history to our public spaces,” Wong said.

The first project last year features butterflies and flowers on a box at the intersection of 196th Street SW and Scriber Lake Road by the Big Lots store near Highway 99.

Students at nearby Cedar Valley Community School had a hand in designing it.

In May, Lynnwood arted up a second box at Alderwood Mall Boulevard and 40th Avenue W with bicycle and railroad graphics highlighting the segment of the Interurban Trail that was the former Seattle-Everett Interurban Railway.

Officials even invited the public to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting and sparkling cider toast.

At the Everett site, there wasn’t any hoopla when the mountain majesty debuted last week.

Maybe diners at the Ivar’s and McDonald’s across the street raised a cup of soda in appreciation.

There are 177 signalized intersections maintaining law and order in Everett.

“We don’t have plans to do any more,” Baxter said. “We’ll see how it performs and what people think about it. We wanted to see what’s the response.”

What’s your verdict? Send an email to everettpw@everettwa.gov.

Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @reporterbrown.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Jasmine Donahue talks about being a place for people leave messages when looking for family members, friends or loved ones on the street on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure

Hope ‘N Wellness must now comply with city zoning laws by April 30. The organization is “grateful,” its owner said, but still hopes for a permanent solution.

New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Hundreds rally against Trump on Presidents Day in Everett

People lined Broadway with signs and flags, similar to other protests across the country

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.