Q: A few years ago, my brother was involved in a traffic accident on Highway 525 in the Mukilteo area that resulted in two casualties. My brother wasn’t killed.
As I recall, a few months later, there was another fatal accident. Recently, I read about two more separate accidents, all within a week, involving more casualties there.
With all the construction, the highway seems even more dangerous and prone to accidents, especially with the side barrier, leaving no room to maneuver. When will they finally finish this project before more lives are lost?
Young Cho, Edmonds
A: Patrick McCormick, Washington State Department of Transportation engineering manager, said that section of highway was striped, with no passing, earlier this year, and the paint stripe was recently painted again to ensure that people refrain from trying to pass during construction.
"The project will finally finish by the end of this year. However, the widened roadway will be open to traffic sometime early this summer," McCormick said. "The contractor is preparing to pave the roadway and complete some drainage work."
The actual opening will depend on weather impacts. The opening will not complete the work, and there will still be lane shifting or closures after the newly widened section of the roadway is opened, he said. The big difference will be a barrier separation between the traffic.
Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. Send questions by fax to 425-339-3435; e-mail to newstips@heraldnet.com; or address to Street Smarts, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206. Include your name and phone number.
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