The teen who was killed recently on I-5 died not because she didn’t know what a “limited access highway” is, but because she was one of approximately one-third of our population that does not drive and has no safe, convenient way to cross the interstate.
Even if one were to try to walk the Highway 526/527/Everett Mall Way overpass, there is no traffic control for pedestrians and not even a shoulder in some areas.
The Urban Pedestrian Village at 164th that is promoted by Snohomish County is supposed to have a pedestrian/ bike bridge across I-5 in the county-approved Comprehensive Master Plan but it has never made it to the transportation element.
Lynnwood for years has been trying to fund a safe crossing over I-5 at 196th and with the recent federal stimulus add-on may finally complete it.
Meanwhile, over the next four years the state will spend $47 million to allow autos at the collector/distributor ramp at the Highway 525/I-405 196 exit to reach their destination faster.
Just more of the continuing instances of our homage to the auto-centric society and the diminished value of human life.
Warren Bare
Everett
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