SR 526 - Corridor Improvements

Continued economic and population growth in Everett means more vehicles are using SR 526. In 2017, the Washington State Legislature directed WSDOT to identify improvements that address a variety of issues affecting SR 526 users—from airport travelers to freight haulers. To help, WSDOT convened a project advisory group made up of representatives from the cities of Everett and Mukilteo, Snohomish County, Boeing, Community Transit, Sound Transit, Washington Trucking Association, and the Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

Preferred alternative

After examining several options while considering the needs and available funding, WSDOT selected a preferred alternative made up of several improvements:

• A new eastbound lane between Seaway Boulevard and I-5
• Better signal operations at the SR 526/SR 527 intersection
• Improvements at the SR 526 ramp to northbound I-5

Bike access

Bike access and shoulder widths on the west end of SR 526, from Seaway to Evergreen, are maintained. People are not permitted to ride bikes on SR 526 east of Evergreen Way. 

Project benefits

• Reduced travel times during the afternoon peak period and less neighborhood cut-through traffic
• Improved freight access to and from SR 526 and the SW Everett and Paine Field/Boeing industrial areas
• Allows for future transit, including the light rail expansion