Mimi Randall of Arlington writes: The intersection of Highway 9 and 204th Street NE in Arlington is very congested. If you are going south, west or east, there is a right-turn lane, which expedites the traffic flow greatly. But if you are headed north, then buddy, you are out of luck. In the early afternoons there are long backups.

Why was this not thought out well? Why does northbound traffic not get a right-turn lane? Is there one planned in the future, and if so, when exactly? Thank you.

Mike Swires, a traffic engineer for the state Department of Transportation, responds: The number of cars traveling Highway 9 has exceeded the capacity of the highway in many locations, leading to increased congestion during peak travel times. We know it’s frustrating to be stuck in traffic, and we agree that the intersection of Highway 9 and 204th Street NE in Arlington could benefit from a right-turn lane for northbound traffic. Unfortunately, we currently have no funding for an improvement at this intersection. The intersection could potentially be included as part of a larger project in the future, or could be improved as part of a future development nearby. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the intersection and see whether any low-cost, near-term changes can be made.

Steve Ly of Lynnwood writes: I have noticed recently there have been a lot of semi trucks parking along 36th Avenue W. from 188th Street SW to 164th Street SW. Some of the semis park there for days. That stretch of road belongs to the city of Lynnwood. I wonder if there is a city ordinance to allow semis parking along that busy street. The trucks block the view of drivers trying to get to 36th from the side streets.

Les Rubstello, operations and maintenance manager for Lynnwood, responds: According to Lynnwood Municipal Code, it is illegal to park commercial vehicles, which would include semi-trailers, on any public street abutting an area classified as residential. The corridor of 36th Avenue W. from 188th Street SW to 164th Street SW is mostly, although not exclusively, zoned residential, so commercial vehicles should not be parking along most of the corridor. We have notified our police department so it can investigate the situation.

Also, the City Council is revising the city’s nuisance ordinance. If approved, the revised ordinance would allow one commercial vehicle up to 16,500 pounds to be parked on residentially zoned property, but still not on the adjacent street.

Commercial vehicles in excess of 16,500 pounds would be prohibited on residential-zoned property.

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