The Referendum 51 project list provides tremendous transportation safety improvements for Snohomish County.
State Route 522, the Bothell-Monroe Highway, has been recognized as one of the least safe highways in the country based on the number of accidents. Widening this road from two to four lanes will significantly improve safety. Likewise, widening Highway 9 from two to four lanes will improve safety and reduce congestion. Local projects receiving Ref. 51 revenue include sidewalk and bike lane additions to busy arterials – greatly enhancing pedestrian safety.
The two-lane highways that may have been enough 20 years ago, can no longer serve a population that needs to travel on roads for work and recreation. Ref. 51 also extends HOV lanes on I-5 through Everett, adding to transit, carpooling and vanpooling opportunities. Certainly, these roads will serve other drivers as well, just as a letter opposing Ref. 51 recently described. Our need for transportation improvements has been tied to population and job growth for decades – the growth has happened, but the projects have not.
Unfortunately, Ref. 51 does not provide all of the revenue to finish every project. We are working hard on a regional transportation plan, recognizing that the exceptional needs in Washington’s most populous counties – Snohomish, King and Pierce – cannot be funded by the other 36 counties in the state.
Ref. 51 is an opportunity for Washington voters to invest in safer, more efficient roads.
Snohomish County Council
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