Street Smarts: Signs changed in Bothell; lights planned at dark intersection

We start off with two more success stories this week.

Elden Slade of Bothell asks: While going east out of Lynnwood on 196th Street SW to the Bothell-Everett Highway, that road changes to 208th Street SW. The speed limit is 35 mph, and I do not exceed that limit. When entering Bothell on that road the limit is reduced to 25 mph unless otherwise posted. About 500 feet farther down the road it again becomes 35 mph. I slow to 25 before I get to the 25 mph sign so as not to be speeding when I get there. Of course, by now I am holding up traffic.

Bothell public works superintendent Nik Stroup responds: Recently, crews installed a 35 mph sign just past the 25 mph sign, approximately 100 feet. Now, to avoid any further confusion, the city of Bothell has decided to remove the “25 mph unless otherwise posted” sign at the location of concern. We will also be evaluating other locations where these signs currently reside to determine if they should be removed as well.

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William Thomas of Snohomish asks: A few years ago a whole new bridge over the Pilchuck River as well as a new interchange at South Machias Road and O.K. Mill Road were completed. At the major intersection no streetlights were installed and it is a dangerous place on a rainy dark night. Every intersection along Machias Road and O.K. Mill Road in any direction has one or more streetlights. This intersection is more dangerous and busier than most of the other intersections.

Snohomish County engineer Owen Carter responds: We agree and are working with the Snohomish County PUD to install the lights. We are anticipating that the lights should be installed this summer.

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Greg Pratt of Snohomish asks: What exactly is up with the onramp to southbound Highway 9 from Second Street in Snohomish? The speed limit on Highway 9 in the area is 55 mph, the ramp rises upwards towards the highway, with a Jersey barrier (from the bridge over Second Street) blocking any sort of clear view to the oncoming traffic, then the ramp makes a fairly sharp turn immediately before having a very short merge lane to try to get up to speed. Anyone who has gotten on here during the morning commute can tell you how bad it is. Is there anything that can be done to improve this?

State traffic engineer Mike Mansfield responds: The state intentionally shortened the ramp 15 to 20 years ago to remove the illusion for drivers that they had more room to merge than they really did. The situation was worse before this change was made. Now, drivers have to look closer and be more cautious when they pull out.

The previous configuration created the risk of serious collisions involving southbound drivers trying to avoid merging traffic at the ramp. Improvements to the ramp included striping and changing a stop sign to a yield sign. Given the room we had, there was nothing else we could do about it. This configuration is much safer for drivers and reduces the potential for collisions.

We realize the Jersey barrier can make it difficult for drivers to fully see the highway until they reach the intersection. However, drivers have adequate sight distance to gauge when they can safely enter the roadway. We do not have plans to change the ramp at this time.