Jack Ward of Granite Falls writes: I am so apprehensive about getting onto the U.S. 2 trestle – most times it’s like a raceway. I can hardly wait to get off, into town.
The speed limit of 55 mph formerly was posted three times each direction. Now it’s posted only one time eastbound, as you are leaving the starting gate, and only once going west as you’re getting off going into town. A lot of good that does, letting them know what speed they were supposed to have been doing.
Some of these cars and trucks have to be hitting 70 and 80 mph, maybe more. If it’s the cost of the signs that’s the problem, I’ve noticed that in other states, they paint in nice big numbers “55” right in the roadway several times across a bridge.
Bronlea Mishler, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation, responds:
We agree with Jack that the U.S. 2 trestle could benefit from added speed limit signs. We’ve asked our sign crew to install two new speed limit signs – one for eastbound traffic and one for westbound traffic – near the middle of the trestle. The new signs should be fabricated and installed by spring 2012.
Janet Church of Snohomish writes: Is there anything more that can be done to prevent illegal turns into and out of Glacier Peak High School along Cathcart Way?
There is currently a wide double-yellow line and signs prohibiting turns but kids and adults turn illegally in and out of the high school anyway. I have nearly rear-ended drivers going eastbound when they suddenly slow down to make this illegal left into the school.
Can there be a barrier or raised median placed in the middle of the roadway so that cars will not be able to turn here? There is a signal light just to the south which enables a driver to make this turn safely and legally.
I have seen officers patrolling this turn which helps to prevent the illegal turns at the time that they are there. As soon as they are not there the illegal turning continues.
Owen Carter, Snohomish County engineer, responds:
The county public works department is working with the Snohomish School District on how to prevent illegal turns into the Glacier Peak High School west entrance and how to improve access into and out of the school.
Installing barrier curbing in the middle of Cathcart Way, as you suggested, will be part of the solution to improve safety and access to the high school. Thank you for your input into this issue.
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