Date:  Friday, November 21, 2008

Contact: Janice Fahning, WSDOT Project Engineer, 425-225-8799 (Everett)
Aurora Jones, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4470 (Seattle)

ARLINGTON – Crews today completed a $20.7 million project to improve safety on two miles of State Route 9 near Arlington. After reaching several major milestones this summer, crews worked throughout the fall to bring the project to a close.

“This project enhances safety for all drivers and residents who use SR 9 through Arlington,” said Paula Hammond, Secretary of Transportation. “Since 2003, we’ve delivered 176 projects funded by the 2003 and 2005 gas tax packages worth more than $1.9 billion that have improved safety and eliminated bottlenecks in the system.”

WSDOT and contractor Scarsella Brothers crews began construction in spring 2007. In a year and a half, crews:

• built a new bridge over Harvey Creek and Harvey Creek Road
• enhanced visibility at 268th Street NE by filling in a dip in the road and constructing a retaining wall
• demolished a curvy stretch of roadway and opened a new straight one-mile section of highway, and
• installed a box culvert at Kackman Creek to improve fish passage beneath the highway.

“We’re very excited to complete this project on time,” said Project Engineer Janice Fahning. “We want to thank drivers and residents for their patience throughout construction. This project has delivered many improvements that will provide drivers with a safe, smooth ride on SR 9.”

Most recently, crews widened the highway at the intersections of 252nd Street NE and 268th Street NE to make room for new left-turn lanes, completed permanent paving and permanent striping, and installed guardrail.

Drivers are already experiencing project benefits

SR 9 is a vital route not only for local traffic, but also for freight: approximately 1300 trucks drive SR 9 near Arlington each day, accounting for 12% of total daily traffic.

According to Norm Miller of the Washington Trucking Association, truckers appreciate the project improvements such as a new straight section of roadway, widened intersections, and guardrail. “The improvement is remarkable,” said Miller. “It will make this section of SR 9 much safer for both the general motoring public and the trucking industry.”

Washington State Patrol Trooper Keith Leary agreed. “What a great improvement,” he said. “Benefits such as wider shoulders and a straight, direct route will really enhance safety for drivers.”

This $20.7 million project, funded by the 2003 gas tax package, was scheduled for completion in fall 2008. For more information, visit the project Web site at: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR9/SchlomanTo268thNE/

This project is part of the State Route 9 Corridor Program. For more information, visit: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr9

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Drivers can get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.

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