Highway 9 needs fix, but funds are short

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.

E-mail Street Smarts at stsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your city of residence.

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.

A view of a homes in Edmonds, Washington on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County to mail property tax statements this month

First half payments are due on April 30.

Ticket and ORCA card kiosks at the Lynnwood Light Rail station on Thursday, April 4, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Beginning March 1, Community Transit to reduce some fares

Riders eligible for reduced fares will pay $1 for a single ORCA card tap and $36 for a monthly pass.

The amphitheater at Deception Pass during the 2021 concert series. (Photo provided by Deception Pass Park Foundation Facebook page.)
Deception Pass Foundation seeks Adopt-A-Trail volunteers

If you’re looking for a way to get outside and… Continue reading

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.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

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.

A pedestrian is struck and killed by vehicle Wednesday in Everett

The pedestrian was a man in his 60s. The collision happened at 5:30 a.m. on Broadway.

Want coffee? Drink some with the Marysville mayor.

A casual question-and-answer session between mayor and constituents is planned for March 24.

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.