MILL CREEK — Here’s some good news for the 17,000 drivers that use 180th Street SE each day: By the fall of 2021, from Highway 527 and 23rd Avenue SE, there will be a whole new road with five lanes lined by sidewalks and bike lanes.
But the good sometimes is preceded by the dreadful. To accomplish this work, 180th will be reduced to at least a single lane for more than a year starting in the spring.
Though unlikely, a full closure has not been ruled out, according to Matt Phelps, a spokesperson for Snohomish County Public Works.
“We will have a definitive answer on that at the community open house in March,” he said.
Once completed, 180th will be expanded to five lanes — two in each direction and a center turn lane — alongside bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides.
Crews also will be realigning Thompson and Silver creeks and replacing culverts.
“This change is to allow for better fish passage and for the widening of the road,” said David Lee, an engineer for the county.
A new traffic signal also will go in at Brooks Boulevard to match the new intersection configuration.
The $7.2 million project was funded with $4 million from the state and $3.2 million in local monies.
By 2035, daily traffic volumes on 180th are predicted to grow to 23,000 vehicles.
The 180th project is just one of many the county is planning to keep up with one of the region’s fastest-growing areas. Tens of millions of dollars are being invested in roads between Bothell-Everett Highway and Highway 9.
A second phase on 180th is also in the works, which would continue the widening and upgrading from 23rd to 35th Avenue SE. That work remains unfunded.
Also coming in spring 2020 is more construction along 35th. This would extend what was done previously and widening and adding bike lanes and sidewalks from Highway 524 to 180th. That project is estimated to cost $8 million.
Got a question? Email me at streetsmarts@heraldnet.com or call 425-374-4165. Please include your name and city of residence.
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