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
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