Lynnwood plans $12M in sewer improvements
Published 1:30 am Saturday, March 17, 2018
LYNNWOOD — More people means more sewage.
The city of Lynnwood is investing $12 million in sewer improvements in anticipation of a population boom.
“Lynnwood is going to grow,” said David Mach with public works. “That’s a fact. We have to plan for it.
“It takes many years to get these projects built, so we have to start early,” he said. “No one wants to build a new building and then not be able to open because they can’t flush their toilets.”
Most of the sewer work is around Alderwood mall, which is seeing an uptick in commercial and residential development. Some is near the transit center, which is supposed to get light rail service in 2024. The transit center is close to the City Center area, at I-5 and 196th Street SW, which also is slated for greater density.
Mach recently provided the City Council with an update on the sewer project, which is funded by utility taxes.
The construction is in the second of four phases. The third and fourth phases are likely to see bids later this year, Mach said.
“We want to be fully operational by the end of 2019,” he said.
The project focuses on piping and lift stations, which help move wastewater toward the city’s treatment plant. There might be some related lane closures, though crews are aiming to work on busy streets at night.
Much of the city’s sewer system is decades old, Mach said.
“If you imagine what Lynnwood would look like 50 years ago, it’s done more than its share,” he said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @rikkiking.
