Question: “As a pedestrian, I’d like to ask if a ‘right turn on red’ means not even slowing down first?
“The walk signal means absolutely nothing; trying to cross a major street is a scary experience, and getting more so.”
Marjorie Seaforth, Marysville
Answer: “State law is very clear that vehicles turning right at signals are to yield to pedestrians. This is not only Washington law but a code throughout the country.”
“Certainly there are aggressive or inattentive drivers that may violate this regulation. Those drivers are subject to citation.
“Pedestrians should always be careful when crossing even if they have the right of way.”
Jim Bloodgood, traffic engineer, Snohomish County Public Works Department
Question: “In Monroe at the intersection of Old Owen Road and U.S. 2, there are three lanes of traffic on Old Owen Road facing south. One is for left turns, and two are unmarked.
“When proceeding across U.S. 2 into the downtown area, the right lane merges to the left, forcing the traffic to cut into one lane.
“Why not make the far right turn lane a right-turn-only lane. This would alleviate this potentially hazardous condition. It would also allow right-turning traffic to filter onto U.S. 2 during red lights.”
Brian Kinns, Monroe
Answer: “After an initial assessment of this morning’s commute, we noticed that there are more vehicles turning right than going through the light.
“A right-turn-only lane would relieve delays for the right-turning traffic at this intersection. We will conduct a more thorough study and discuss this option with the city of Monroe before implementing any changes.”
Dongho Chang, state Department of Transportation traffic engineer for Snohomish County
Question: “I live west of Marysville on 19th Avenue N.E., which connects Fire Trail Road and 128th Street NE.
“We moved out here nearly 20 years ago. When we first moved here our road was a gravel and tar mix. There was little traffic because Fire Trail Road had not been developed. Now there are many more cars that often speed by our house.
“How does one go about getting speed bumps installed? Portable electronic speed signs? Trying to get a deputy out here is tough.”
Teri Sittauer, Marysville
Answer: “No, speed bumps are not an option. In your area, 34th Avenue NE and Fire Trail Road are arterial roads, which means they’re designated to carry high volumes of traffic.
“Speeding traffic is an issue in many areas of the county, including on roads like yours. Enforcement is the preferred approach. We will discuss this with the sheriff’s office.
“We also have a radar trailer that, depending on commitments, we could deploy in your neighborhood for a time.”
Jim Bloodgood, Snohomish County traffic engineer
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