Everett plan to shift truck traffic away from downtown core to reach Port, I-5

EVERETT — Diverting tractor trailers driving from I-5 to the Port of Everett away from the downtown streets is the goal of a $4 million project being considered by the Everett City Council at tonight’s regularly scheduled meeting.

According to Everett transportation planners, the intent of the improvements is to encourage freight drivers to use the 41st Street and Rucker Avenue corridor to access the Port of Everett because the geometry is more conducive to wider radius turns the trucks need to make and avoid the tighter intersections in the downtown core.

This project is the second of two phases to provide additional corridor improvements between I-5 and the Port of Everett to enhance freight mobility. Included in this project will be improvements to roadway geometry, pavement structure, traffic signals, and non-motorized facilities, including:

• Geometric improvements for freight movement at the intersections of Terminal Ave./West Marine View Drive, Pacific/WMVD, and possibly 41st/Rucker.
• Traffic signal improvements at Colby and Rucker along 41st, as well as WMVD between Pacific and Terminal Avenues. (raising signal head heights and other ancillary work).
• Wider multi-use sidewalk along west side of WMVD to match Mill Town Trail to the north.
• Pavement replacement along WMVD between Pacific and Terminal Avenues to support freight loads.

The $4 million in funding has been arranged from grants. The project, known as the “41st Street to Rucker Avenue Corridor Phase 2”, if approved by the City Council, authorizes $3,000,000 for the design phase of the project, which includes $2,500,000 in state grant funds and $500,000 in local funds.

The City has received additional Connecting Washington (CWA – previously called Washington State LEAP Transportation) funding in the amount of $1,326,186. This additional funding will offset a reduction in the prior local fund allocation from the previous phase of the project.

The funding sources for this project are CWA Funds $3,991,386, Port of Everett $118,614 for a total cost of $4,110,000.
The City will bring a subsequent ordinance at a later date that will include construction funding for Council consideration.