Road closures mean First Street Bypass work nearly finished

MARYSVILLE — Road closures are expected this week and next as crews finish the First Street Bypass in Marysville.

First Street is scheduled to be closed on both sides of State Avenue on Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday. Workers plan to pave the road during that time. It also is to be closed again Sept. 10 to 13 while sidewalks are installed at the intersection.

State and Alder avenues will remain open, but the city warns there may be lane closures and delays. Detour signs will be posted.

Construction began in May 2019. The road is expected to open in early October. That’s a couple of months sooner than planned, city spokesperson Connie Mennie said.

The $13 million project is one of the largest undertaken by the city. Between State and Alder avenues, First Street has been widened from two to five lanes. It also has been extended three blocks, from Alder Avenue to 47th Avenue NE.

One purpose of the bypass is to relieve traffic on Fourth Avenue. It also will be a way to avoid the railroad tracks that often block traffic as drivers make their way to and from I-5.