Street smarts

Question: While driving south on the Mukilteo Speedway from Mukilteo toward Highway 99, there is now a barrier that won’t allow the 200 and some residents who live in Carriage Club Estates to enter at the mobile home park’s west entrance.

At the next street crossing, Lincoln Way, there is a traffic light that has a left turn lane and left turn traffic light.

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.

Is it legal to make a U-turn at this location? This would make it easier to enter Carriage Club Estates. There is not a “no U-turn” sign there.

Jerry Hofferber, Everett

Answer: Yes, it’s legal to make a U-turn at the Lincoln Way intersection. U-turns are illegal only when a posted sign bans the maneuver.

Dongho Chang, Department of Transportation traffic engineer

Question: Will there ever be a stop light at Highway 9 and 164th Street SE in the Clearview area? It has become dangerous to turn left from 164th Street SE to Highway 9, especially during rush hour.

Mary Katona, Snohomish

Answer: Good news: Yes, there will be a traffic light at this intersection. Construction is scheduled to start in December 2007.

Myly Posse, Department of Transportation spokeswoman

Question: While it is a good idea, is it the law that you must use your turn signal if you are in a dedicated turn lane?

Judy Oberg, Everett

Answer: State law requires turn signals to be used if a driver plans to “turn a vehicle or move right or left upon a roadway.” No exception is made for vehicles using dedicated lanes.

In fact, state law specifically says that drivers making left-hand turns from a designated center lane need to signal their intended direction.

Capt. Greg Lineberry, Everett Police Department

Question: With all the improvements being made to Old Owen Road in Monroe, many of us in the immediate neighborhood would like to see a guardrail or barrier along the Monroe Golf Course.

Although many trees have been removed along the south side of the road, which should help prevent icy conditions on the road, there is no protection from the north side of the road, which is a steep slope.

If a car were to go off the road there, it would be a certain death for the occupants. It seems like it would be relatively inexpensive to add a guardrail, certainly in relation to the other roadwork being done in the area.

Teresa Allen-Martin, Monroe

Answer: This location is on our guardrail priority list. It’s possible one will be built this year.

Jim Bloodgood, traffic engineer, Snohomish County Public Works Department

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

LifeWise local co-directors Darcie Hammer and Sarah Sweeny talk about what a typical classroom routine looks like on Monday, April 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett off-campus Bible program draws mixed reaction from parents

The weekly optional program, LifeWise Academy, takes children out of public school during the day for religious lessons.

Protesters line Broadway in Everett for Main Street USA rally

Thousands turn out to protest President Trump on Saturday in Everett, joining hundreds of other towns and cities.

An EcoRemedy employee checks a control panel of their equipment at the Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds launches technology to destroy PFAS

Edmonds is the first city in the country to implement… Continue reading

Over a dozen parents and some Snohomish School District students gather outside of the district office to protest and discuss safety concerns after an incident with a student at Machias Elementary School on Friday, April 18, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Parents protest handling of alleged weapon incident at Machias Elementary

Families say district failed to communicate clearly; some have kept kids home for weeks.

Irene Pfister, left, holds a sign reading “Justice for Jonathan” next to another protester with a sign that says “Major Crimes Needs to Investigate,” during a call to action Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Arlington. (Aspen Anderson / The Herald)
Arlington community rallies, a family waits for news on missing man

Family and neighbors say more can be done in the search for Jonathan Hoang. The sheriff’s office says all leads are being pursued.

Mary Ann Karber, 101, spins the wheel during Wheel of Forunte at Washington Oakes on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lunch and Wheel of Fortune with some Everett swinging seniors

She’s 101 and he’s 76. At Washington Oakes, fun and friendship are on the menu.

Washington State Department of Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn speaks during the Economic Alliance Snohomish County’s Annual Meeting and Awards events on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Commerce boss: How Washington state can make it easier for small businesses

Joe Nguyen made the remarks Wednesday during the annual meeting of the Economic Alliance Snohomish County and the Snohomish County Awards

Freylands Elementary fifth grader Vaughn Kipnis takes a turn shoveling dirt to help plant a Niobe Golden Weeping Willow along the banks of Lake Tye during an Arbor Day celebration at Lake Tye Park on Friday, April 28, 2023, in Monroe, Washington. Students from Mrs. Sager and Mrs. Slater’s classes took a field trip to help the city plant the park’s newest tree. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Enjoy spring weather for Arbor Day celebrations

Towns across the county are getting in on tree-planting festivities on Friday and Saturday.

Man steals delivery van in Brier, deputies seek help identifying suspect

A man stole a delivery van Wednesday afternoon in Brier… Continue reading

Janet Garcia walks into the courtroom for her arraignment at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett mother found competent to stand trial in stabbing death of 4-year-old son

A year after her arraignment, Janet Garcia appeared in court Wednesday for a competency hearing in the death of her son, Ariel Garcia.

Everett council member to retire at end of term

Liz Vogeli’s retirement from the council opens up the race in the November election for Everett’s District 4 seat.

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard
Gov. Bob Ferguson signing Senate Bill 5480, a bill that would exempt medical debt from credit reports, on Tuesday.
WA bill to keep medical debt off credit reports signed into law

Washingtonians’ medical debt will not be included in their credit reports, under… Continue reading

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.