MUKILTEO — There’s something missing on First Street: the barricades.

The section of First Street from just past the Mukilteo ferry complex to Edgewater Beach Park was closed to through traffic since the terminal opened in December 2020.

The barricades came down Monday. Motorists can now access the park directly from Mukilteo Speedway. On First Street, stay in the road, not in the designated ferry lane on the right leading to the toll gates. Pass the terminal’s bus depot and what they call the “kiss and go” dropoff in the back, and keep going on the straight quarter-mile stretch to reach the park.

Just make sure to obey the stop sign at the Mount Baker railroad crossing and not speed.

“I’m hoping people will be responsible and be cautious because a bunch of families and kids are down here walking,” said Alia Patterson, who often brings her two children to the waterfront.

Before this week, access to Edgewater Beach Park by car was only possible via Mukilteo Lane, a narrow, two-lane road across the Mount Baker train crossing. It brought added traffic to residents on Mukilteo Lane, which also was the only access to the Lower Japanese Gulch, a wooded trail across the tracks near the crossing juncture.

The First Street opening could now bring even more traffic from Everett by people wanting to bypass the 25 mph speed trap on Fifth Street and use Mukilteo Lane as a shortcut to the waterfront.

City engineer Gael Fisk requested the City Council approve the removal of the First Street barricades.

“The council had concerns about cut-through traffic on Mukilteo Lane and speeding,” Fisk said.

Fisk said timing was key for a traffic study.

“We are excited to open it and make a data-based decision on how the road is being used and the impact for the surrounding area,” Fisk said. “Mukilteo Lane will be closed before and during the Edgewater Bridge replacement, which will start this fall.”

Edgewater Beach Park has about 35 spaces of free parking, and the gulch offers about 10 more at no cost. The park is an easy stroll to the ferry terminal, fishing pier and the gulch. It’s a good hike to Ivar’s on the scenic pedestrian path along the waterfront. Parking is paid at other areas on the waterfront, including Lighthouse Park.

The Port of Everett constructed Edgewater Beach, but the park is operated by Mukilteo. The driftwood-studded beach has flat rocky sand. It is convenient for paddleboards or inflatables. Benches offer expansive views of the Sound and beyond.

The place is a hidden gem and now it’s easier to get there.

“I like that we get to play in the water,” said Ayden Patterson, 10, as he splashed by the shoreline on Thursday with his sister.

He can name many of the trains that pass by.

“And I know my ferries,” he said.

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