This is the first of six weather-dependent closures on Highway 2 scheduled for the summer. WSDOT is tentatively planning on closing the westbound lanes
beginning this Friday at 7:00 pm, and re-opening Monday at 4:00 am. See below for the full press release from WSDOT.
Westbound US 2 will be closed from the SR 204 interchange to just east of the 20th Street Southeast ramp starting at 7 p.m. Friday, May 18 to 4 a.m.
Monday, May 21.
Overview
Contractor crews with Lakeside Industries will repave three miles of the westbound lanes of US 2 from Bickford Avenue to the I-5 interchange,
including the Hewitt Avenue trestle. The eastbound lanes will be resurfaced from the US 2/SR 204 interchange to Bickford Avenue.
Why is WSDOT rehabilitating the existing pavement on roughly three miles of US 2 in Everett?
This stretch of highway hasn’t been repaved since 2002. The asphalt used during that project was identified as having an average lifespan of about
15 years. Since then, cracks, ruts and potholes have developed. This creates an uneven surface which allows water to pool on the roadway. Wet roads
create difficult driving conditions and can also result in slower travel times as drivers reduce their speeds to handle the slick surface. Installing
new pavement will also extend the life of the highway.
Westbound weekend closures
When crews remove the pavement in the westbound lanes, they will take the opportunity to also inspect the trestle and make any necessary repairs.
This process requires more space and time than an overnight lane reduction allows, so the inspection and repairs will happen during six westbound
weekend closures of the US 2 trestle.
This work is weather dependent. It is tentatively scheduled from 7:00 p.m. Friday to 4:00 a.m. Monday on the following weekends:
May 18 – May 21
June 1 – June 4
June 22 – June 25
June 29 – July 2
July 13 – July 16
July 20 – July 23
The eastbound trestle is newer and made of concrete, so it does not require weekend closures. Work on eastbound US 2 between the SR 204 interchange
and Bickford Avenue will happen overnight.
The End Result
This project will make this section of US 2 safer for the 22,000 drivers who use it daily. New pavement also reduces future maintenance needs
and costs.
Needs & benefits
- Safety: Repaving the highway removes existing cracks, ruts and potholes where pooled water can collect, causing cars to slide.
This water can also freeze, creating pockets of ice on the asphalt. New pavement will also prevent future damage to the roadway. - Economic: Repairing aging asphalt is a cost-effective way to protect the roadway and increase its lifespan.
Timeline
- Spring 2018: Construction scheduled to start.
- Fall 2018: Construction scheduled to be completed.
