Street Smarts

Vehicles travel along Highway 9, just south of 84th St NE on Friday, March 11, 2022, near Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Rough and rumbly section of Highway 9 set for emergency repairs

The road between Arlington and Lake Stevens has cracks and potholes. An emergency repairs contract is in the works.

Vehicles travel along Highway 9, just south of 84th St NE on Friday, March 11, 2022, near Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Two cyclists head eastbound along the Highway 2 trestle path Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Everett eyeing $1.35M to expand bike paths east of Broadway

The city could build bike-only paths and sidewalks on Fulton Street between California Street and Pacific Avenue.

Two cyclists head eastbound along the Highway 2 trestle path Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A public art bike rack is seen on the streets as a bus pulls up to a bus stop along Broadway Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

What are those green bulbs at Everett bus stops?

The bike racks are functional public art by artist Brian Borello, who made 22 for the city.

A public art bike rack is seen on the streets as a bus pulls up to a bus stop along Broadway Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Cars drive through the intersection of Highway 9 and South Lake Stevens Road on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

As Lake Stevens braces for Costco traffic, Highway 9 gets new roundabout

Expect traffic disruptions and weekend closures as crews build the roundabout at Highway 9 and South Lake Stevens Road.

Cars drive through the intersection of Highway 9 and South Lake Stevens Road on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
A Coho makes its way along Edgecomb Creek under a new culvert built specifically to make it easier for the spawning fish to navigate the creek on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 in Arlington, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Transportation package could bring $600M to Snohomish County

Investments in highways, transit and culverts are part of Democrats’ proposal.

A Coho makes its way along Edgecomb Creek under a new culvert built specifically to make it easier for the spawning fish to navigate the creek on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 in Arlington, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Work to replace expansion joints and concrete panels on Interstate 5 through north Everett is slated to start this year. It will cause weekend lane and ramp closures. (WSDOT)

I-5 work through Everett will need weekend lane closures

A contractor will replace 108 concrete panels and eight expansion joints on northbound lanes.

Work to replace expansion joints and concrete panels on Interstate 5 through north Everett is slated to start this year. It will cause weekend lane and ramp closures. (WSDOT)
Northbound view of Evergreen Way at Casino Rd on Wednesday afternoon in Everett on November 17, 2021.    (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Amid concerns, Everett council puts off traffic camera vote

Some council members and residents questioned the equity of a red-light and school-speed-zone program.

Northbound view of Evergreen Way at Casino Rd on Wednesday afternoon in Everett on November 17, 2021.    (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
The Snow Goose Transit bus at one of it's stops outside of the Lincoln Hill Retirement Community on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 in Stanwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Catch a free bus between Camano, Stanwood, Smokey Point

Snow Goose Transit runs on weekdays, offering 15 stops and — for those with mobility issues — door-to-door service.

The Snow Goose Transit bus at one of it's stops outside of the Lincoln Hill Retirement Community on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 in Stanwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Inches of snow cover roads Saturday afternoon in downtown Edmonds, Washington on February 13, 2021.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

After snowstorms, cities make a roadmap for next time

Meanwhile, Lynnwood was inundated with entries in a contest to name a city plow. One idea? Plowy McPlowface.

Inches of snow cover roads Saturday afternoon in downtown Edmonds, Washington on February 13, 2021.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Traffic moves along 172nd Street NE near the intersection at 23rd Avenue NE on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Development led to frequent street cleaning near Smokey Point

Work on a possible residential development tracked dirt onto the road. Marysville made the company clean it.

Traffic moves along 172nd Street NE near the intersection at 23rd Avenue NE on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The 810 McCollum Park Community Transit bus at it's new stop in the shadow of the newly opened Northgate Light rail Station in Seattle. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Light rail’s effects lead 2022’s transportation outlook

Once the cars reach Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace, bus service and traffic could shift dramatically.

The 810 McCollum Park Community Transit bus at it's new stop in the shadow of the newly opened Northgate Light rail Station in Seattle. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Ben Watanabe, Street Smarts columnist, is committing to ditching his car as often as possible in 2021. (Kevin Clark / Herald file)

Reflections on a year of driving less, bike and bus plans ahead

A lot of people chimed in with encouragement, experiences and advice on how to do active transportation.

Ben Watanabe, Street Smarts columnist, is committing to ditching his car as often as possible in 2021. (Kevin Clark / Herald file)
At the Snohomish County Parking Garage, 3010 Oakes Ave., Everett, electric vehicles can get a charge. (Lizz Giordano / The Herald)

Commission worries electric cars outpacing gas tax swap

Lawmakers have had the recommendation to implement the road usage charge since 2020.

At the Snohomish County Parking Garage, 3010 Oakes Ave., Everett, electric vehicles can get a charge. (Lizz Giordano / The Herald)
A construction worker crosses the street at two buses pull into the Lynnwood Transit Center on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 in Lynnwood, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Community Transit asks what current, potential riders want in 2024

Light rail is expected to let the agency redeploy service hours by ending routes that went into Seattle.

A construction worker crosses the street at two buses pull into the Lynnwood Transit Center on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 in Lynnwood, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
A Swift bus and an Everett Transit bus travel north on Rucker Avenue on Saturday in Everett. (Sue Misao / The Herald)

Community Transit, Everett agree to study consolidation

A final report to the Community Transit board and Everett City Council is due by mid-2023. Then voters could decide.

A Swift bus and an Everett Transit bus travel north on Rucker Avenue on Saturday in Everett. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
A car breaks and waits for traffic to pass before turning onto 123rd Avenue on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Can roundabouts, lower speed limit make 84th Street NE safer?

Maybe, but transportation and disability advocates want design features to make crossing safe.

A car breaks and waits for traffic to pass before turning onto 123rd Avenue on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Alternatives for the West Alderwood light rail station. (Sound Transit)

Where should Everett Link light rail line and stations go?

East or west of I-5? How close to Alderwood mall, Boeing or Paine Field? Sound Transit wants input.

Alternatives for the West Alderwood light rail station. (Sound Transit)
Students unload from a school bus on Evergreen Way Wednesday afternoon in Everett on November 10, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Even on Evergreen Way, drivers can’t pass a stopped school bus

Everett school bus drivers say some aren’t always following the rules around their buses and students.

Students unload from a school bus on Evergreen Way Wednesday afternoon in Everett on November 10, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Leigh Spruce navigates from of the ramp cutouts and crosswalks at the Everett Mall on Thursday, March 11, 2021 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Too many sidewalks aren’t built for people with disabilities

After the Week Without Driving challenge, our transportation columnist reflects on a recent scene in Everett.

Leigh Spruce navigates from of the ramp cutouts and crosswalks at the Everett Mall on Thursday, March 11, 2021 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Leigh Spruce gets off of Everett Para Transit at the Everett Mall on Thursday, March 11, 2021 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Being car-less means cold waits, long trips: It’s ‘exhausting’

The Week Without Driving challenged policymakers and planning professionals to ditch their vehicles.

Leigh Spruce gets off of Everett Para Transit at the Everett Mall on Thursday, March 11, 2021 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)