Of road work and license plates

You’ve got questions; here are some answers from state and local public works and transportation officials and spokesmen.

Why the new plates?

Question: Recently I sent payment for my 2006 license tabs to the Department of Licensing and in return I received two new plates with completely different numbers from my original plates. Why not let me keep the old plates? They seem to be in perfectly good shape.

Kathryn Stephenson, Everett

Answer: State law requires new plates every seven years.

The seven-year cycle was selected based on the manufacturer’s guarantee of five years for the plates’ ability to reflect light and a review of other states’ practices and experience. Several other states have adopted a seven-year replacement program cycle.

The Washington State Patrol asked the Legislature to consider requiring regular plate replacement because increasing reflectivity has two important public safety benefits.

It aids in the identification of vehicles when handling problems such as hit and run, high-speed chases, and disabled vehicles. High reflectivity is also a key safety feature at night when vehicles need to be seen by other approaching drivers.

When new plates go out, the normal procedure is to issue new numbers. The Legislature recently authorized the Department of Licensing to allow vehicle owners to keep their old numbers for a $20 fee.

Brad Benfield, spokesman for the state Department of Licensing

Ask us about traffic

Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. E-mail The Herald at stsmarts@ heraldnet.com.

Why is street closed?

Question: Why is Sievers Ducey Boulevard closed in the Hardeson Road and Madison Street area in south Everett? There’s no construction going on.

Mike Allen, Everett

Answer: Sievers Duecy Boulevard was closed Tuesday night, Jan. 10, after a landslide blocked the road. The road has been cleared, but will remain closed until further geotechnical evaluation expected shortly.

Ryan L. Sass, city engineer

Still work to be done

Question: The widened bridge in Smokey Point over I-5 is open now and is helping things a lot. The crews always seemed to make progress throughout the project and my hat is off to them. When are they going to finish it? There is still a large bump on the east side of the bridge and it is a hazard.

Tom McDonald, Smokey Point

Answer: Although the new Smokey Point Bridge is open to traffic, we’re still not finished improving this interchange. Drivers will see crews actively working throughout the winter months to finish removing the temporary bridge supports.

We will also be installing sidewalks, landscaping and placing permanent roadway striping. We will wrap up construction in June.

Travis Phelps, state Transportation Department spokesman

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.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

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.

Riley Boyd, 6, left, and sisters Vivienne Boyd, 3, ride a sled together down a hill at Anderson Center Field on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County shouldn’t expect snow and cold to leave any time soon

Residents can expect a reprieve from the snow until possibly this weekend. Colder than normal temperatures are expected to remain into next week.

Modern DNA tech comes through again for Everett police in 1989 murder case

Recent advances in forensic genealogy led to the suspect’s arrest in Clark County, Nevada.

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.