Why are lights at 164th Street not properly timed?

Q: We’re writing because the traffic lights on 164th Street SW next to I-5 on the east side are improperly timed.

Specifically, 13th and 14th Place SW (which run north and south) have had their "green light" timing increased so traffic backs up on 164th Street SW and on the north exit off-ramp from I-5. This change only benefits traffic that enters/exits WalMart off of 164th Street.

The change also benefits 13th Ave. SW, which is also the minority of traffic. The majority are in potential harm’s way because of unnecessary backups. When the department of transportation was in charge of the traffic timing, they had it set fairly well to where I-5 was clear and accidents were minimal. We’re concerned accidents will increase if a correction is not implemented.

Here are some recommendations:

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Force all traffic from 14th Place SW (WalMart) to exit only to the east (or right) to avoid cross traffic blockages and potential major accidents.

Change the traffic light timing in favor of general populous vs. the special interest.

A: Jim Bloodgood, Snohomish County traffic engineer, said recently, while doing some repairs at the traffic signal at 164th Street SW and 14th Place SW (WalMart), the signal was taken out of coordination.

"We simply forgot to put it back in coordination," Bloodgood said. "That has been remedied."

There will be other changes happening to this signal in the near future that will provide even more green time for 164th Street SW and yet provide more efficient side street service.

"There have been no changes in the timing at 164th Street SW and 13th Avenue SW," he said. "However, the lack of coordination with the signal at 14th Place SW could give the impression that it had been changed."

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