The hole in the ground at Seattle Hill Road makes it appear as if only the road’s shoulder was blown out by flooding between Lowell-Larimer Road and 132nd Street SE.
Underneath, it’s a different story.
State officials say a 25-foot-deep canyon has formed below the road, cutting as far back as the centerline of the road.
Obviously it’s not safe to drive on or to walk over.
A motorcycle driver skirted around a barrier and drove across. He may never know how close to death he came (unless he reads this).
State officials plan to use concrete barriers to keep vehicles out while they repair the road over the next four to five weeks. They also would like for pedestrians to stay out.
“There’s nothing holding up that section of roadway,” said Janice Fahning, a state Department of Transportation engineer. She said the asphalt is only 6 inches thick. “We don’t want people to get hurt.”
That sounds like good advice to me.
Buyer beware
The state Department of Licensing is warning people who are offered a deal on seemingly nice car to be careful. Plenty of cars were flooded during Monday’s deluge, and cars that look like deals may be lemons.
“Many vehicles suffered flood damage and it is possible they may soon be offered for sale,” said Liz Luce, director of the licensing department. “Flood damage is very serious and can undermine a vehicle’s safety and resale value.”
Floodwater can cause rust and damage major mechanical parts such as engines and transmissions, the report said. The water also damages electrical systems, especially onboard computers that are often located at low points in vehicles, including under seats.
“When purchasing a used car, a consumer should always carefully examine and test drive a vehicle,” Luce said. “They also should have it inspected by a mechanic they trust and avoid any seller who refuses to allow an independent inspection.”
That’s a nice reflection
Question: Can DOT put down some temporary reflective striping markers on the southbound lanes on I-5 between 41st Street SE and Highway 526, at least until the rainy season gets over with and they can fully stripe it. You can’t see the lanes during a dark, rainy commute.
Greg Vandeventer, Granite Falls
Answer: Drivers heading south on I-5 south of downtown Everett should notice a marked improvement in the visibility of the lane stripes. Crews painted new stripes and installed raised reflective pavement markers last month. The new stripes will stand out more clearly during the day and the raised reflective markers really stand out at night. These freshly painted stripes only will be temporary. Next summer, crews will use a more durable and more reflective paint once they get the warm temperatures required for the paint to bond to the asphalt. The new asphalt and the lane stripes are part of the I-5 Everett freeway expansion project that is on schedule to be complete by June 2008.
Ryan Bianchi, DOT spokesman
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