LYNNWOOD — Construction on a new pedestrian and bicycle path over I-5 in Lynnwood could begin as early as late spring.
The path, which would be built on the northern side of 196th Street SW, would allow walkers and bikers to safely cross the freeway to get to homes, businesses and schools on both sides, Lynnwood city engineer Jeff Elekes said.
Pedestrians used to be able to cross the freeway at the 196th Street SW overpass, but traffic signals at the interchange were removed in 2003 when the intersection was changed. Now, traffic from the freeway merges onto the street without stopping.
The northern half of 196th Street SW will be widened to make room for the planned $5 million path. On the west side of the freeway, the path will rise up over the southbound I-5 offramp and connect to the Alderwood Mall Boulevard bridge, which is the route of the Interurban Trail. A ramp will be built down from the elevated portion of the path to allow people to continue on 196th Street SW.
“I think this is huge,” Lynnwood Public Works Department director Bill Franz said. “If it’s not huge today, it will be huge in the future. Think about what we have on both sides of the freeway.”
Pedestrians in Snohomish County have few ways to cross I-5 without having to dodge traffic on busy surface streets.
In Everett, construction is under way on ramps that will allow pedestrians to use a footbridge over I-5 near 128th Street SE. The work is scheduled to be finished in late February.
Currently, the Alderwood Parkway bridge is the only safe crossing for pedestrians over I-5 in the area. However, for people walking or biking along 196th Street SW, which includes foot traffic from the Lynnwood Convention Center and nearby hotels, to use the parkway bridge requires a long detour, Franz said.
Design work for the project is expected to be finished by March. The Washington state Department of Transportation will be in charge of the construction of the path, Franz said.
Adding the pedestrian path enhances the Lynnwood Police Department’s efforts to increase safety for walkers and bikers, police spokeswoman Shannon Sessions said.
“Right now, it’s not a good idea to cross right there,” she said. “Whereas after the bridge is put in, it will be a real positive and safe option for people.”
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
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