Silver Lake street in line for upgrades

Q: Why is there no barrier along Silver Lake at the west end of 116th Street SE in south Everett? The street ends there, and if the pavement was icy or slick, or an inexperienced driver missed the turn, a car could easily go right across and into the lake.

Phyllis Hawkins, Everett

A: Everett traffic engineer Wayne Wentz said the end of 116th Street SE at 19th Avenue SE historically has been an access point to launch small boats into Silver Lake.

"The curvature at the end of 116th and the traffic signal seem to have been enough traffic control," Wentz said. "Nevertheless, changes are coming."

In late December, the state Department of Transportation advertised for construction of improvements along 19th Avenue SE from 132nd to 112th streets SE. Construction will begin in the spring and will include roadway widening, curbs, sidewalks, bike lanes and lake access, Wentz said.

All potential guardrail needs are being addressed as part of that project, he added.

Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. Send questions by fax to 425-339-3435; e-mail to newstips@heraldnet.com; or address to Street Smarts, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA, 98206. Include your name and phone number.