TULALIP — A project to upgrade two interchanges along I-5 that lead drivers to the Tulalip Reservation and Marysville got nearly $5 million in federal funding this week.
The Fourth Street and 88th Street NE upgrades are part of a tribal project expected to cost over $60 million. New funding came from what’s called a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant. U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, spearheaded the push for the new money.
The project seeks to reduce congestion.
“Frequently, I-5 traffic exiting to enter Tulalip Tribes or the City of Marysville at both interchanges experience off ramp backups that can extend back on to the I-5 mainline lanes of traffic,” a webpage for the project states. “This impacts the Tribes and the City as well as the greater Snohomish County area, interstate travel and commerce, and even international trade with Canada.”
State and county funds are also being used, as well as money from the city of Marysville.
Drivers don’t have many ways to access the reservation. The Tulalip Tribes have already worked to improve one of three interchanges that gets drivers on to the reservation, at 116th Street. That project was completed in 2020.
Preliminary design for the Fourth Street and 88th Street project has been completed. An environmental assessment by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs is currently under review.
Right-of-way acquisition is is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Construction is slated to begin in 2025.
The state Department of Transportation has allocated about $50 million into the three interchange projects: $15 million into 116th Street NE, $17 million into Fourth Street and $18 million into 88th Street NE.
The city of Marysville has also been involved in the project. Tulalip Tribes and the city have partnered for right-of-way acquisitions.
“This project is really a collaboration of the tribes leading it, and the city, especially our executive team, being on board and being very supportive of the project,” said Max Phan, city engineer and assistant public works director. “It’s been a real teamwork effort on this project and getting to where it is.”
The total cost of the Fourth Street and 88th Street NE interchange projects is still being determined by the tribes.
Larsen said in a press release: “Anyone who uses the Fourth Street and 88th Street NE crossings knows how congested and dangerous these intersections are during peak travel hours.”
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jordyhansen.
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