Lynnwood is asking for federal money to design a new southbound Interstate 5 freeway exit to give drivers easier access to north Lynnwood and reduce the traffic backup on 196th Street SW, and 164th Street SW. This is a no-brainer of an idea and a win-win plan.

It would be a southbound ramp that would start near the I-405 interchange, then carry traffic over the freeway and exit near The Shane Company jewelry store on the corner of Alderwood Mall Parkway and Alderwood Mall Boulevard.

It would move traffic off the freeway much more easily; helping commuters, it would take mall traffic off of 196th Street; helping commuters, and it will allow for consumers to get to the mall easier and faster; helping the local economy and it will get people more easily to the future City Center of Lynnwood; also helping the local economy.

According to city officials, the new exit would also decrease traffic at the 164th Street and 196th Street I-5 exits, helping commuters.

An exit near Alderwood Mall could trim 10 to 15 minutes off the time it takes drivers to get to north Lynnwood or Brier, city officials have said. It could also smooth the way for future city development: good for commuters and good for the economy.

While the relief wouldn’t come for awhile, planning now for the future is better than not doing anything at all.

The city is seeking $2 million for preliminary engineering work now, and would apply for more state and federal grant money to complete the project, officials said.

Lynnwood Mayor Mike McKinnon was also able to get the backing from some local federal officials during a recent visit to Washington, D.C.. Sens. Patty Murray, and Maria Cantwell, both Democrats, and Rep. Jay Inslee, a Democrat who represents the 1st Congressional District all expressed their encouragement for the project.

That support will be helpful in getting it passed in the federal 2004 Transportation Bill.

The study for preliminary engineering for the added off ramp will hopefully start very soon.