LAKE STEVENS, Wash. — There is a renewed push to finally revamp the Highway 2 trestle linking Everett to Lake Stevens.
The roadway has been operational since the late 1960s when Snohomish County’s population was only a quarter of what it is today.
As a result, congestion and backups have worsened in recent years, and previous attempts to minimize traffic disruptions have failed.
“It’s getting crazy. The trestle is always backed up,” said Lake Stevens driver Mike Wheeler.
“I wouldn’t even try to go that way,” added driver Vanessa Ammons.
In the aftermath of worsening traffic conditions, federal, state and local leaders said now is the time to solve this “trestle travesty” once and for all.
“I am one of those traffic accidents on this trestle,” said Rep. Rick Larson of Washington’s 2nd District. “I know from experience what it’s like to travel across it in the morning and back again.”
Lawmakers are now asking for federal help in the effort to overhaul the trestle.
Going forward, it’ll be among the projects listed in nationwide transportation legislation aimed at improving failed infrastructure.
Larson and Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington’s 1st District plan to submit the request this week.
“A permanent solution to the trestle will take a long time, which is critical that we start right away,” Delbene said.
Should Congress pass federal transportation funding, the entire trestle would eventually be rebuilt, complete with extra lanes and more space.
According to lawmakers, several aspects of construction have already been planned ahead of time. As a result, work on the project will not take a long time to start once funding is approved.
“Here’s the good news: The state has already put some money in. The county’s put some money in to look at the design work already,” said Steve Hobbs (D-Lake Stevens).
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