Better timing of Highway 529 bridge could aid traffic

We had the pleasure of attending the Northwest Everett Neighborhood Association meeting, Jan. 17 at EvCC. Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin was the featured speaker and fielded, in great detail, many questions pertaining to Everett’s growth and projected impact to our north Everett area.

Traffic and parking was of a major concern.

One concern that was raised was the fact that the Highway 529 bridge is opened during the most inopportune times. Usually, the bridge is raised to accommodate wood chip barges or boat traffic at a time when rush hour traffic is exiting North Broadway. This has caused traffic to be backed up as far as 41st Street. This can occur from as early as 1:30 and last up until 6:30 in the evening.

Not sure if the authorization is under the city, Port of Everett or Coast Guard’s control.

Is there anything that can be done to more effectively regulate the opening of the Highway 529 bridge over the Snohomish river during these late afternoon periods of rush hour traffic?

Maxine Ponds and Marc Owenby

Everett