🎶I can see clearly now the rain is (almost) gone🎶

SR 99 from Lynnwood to Everett

You turned your clock back. The birds are singing. It's lighter later. And – dare to dream – the rainy season may soon be over. Spring is just around the corner, and so too is a new vision for SR 99 from Lynnwood to Everett. We are excited to share the final SR 99 Lynnwood and Unincorporated Snohomish County Pre-design Study report available on the study webpage.

Read on to learn about how and why we're trying to improve SR 99 for all travelers, what we've learned by talking to the community, and what's up next for our work.

Map showing the SR 99 study corridor from Lynnwood to unincorporated Snohomish County

🎶I can see all obstacles in my way 🎶

We know that this section of SR 99 has its challenges. Originally designed for cars and commerce, SR 99 through Snohomish County has room for improvement when it comes to providing comfortable, reliable options for all modes of transportation.

In 2023, we received grants to study how to improve SR 99 to meet Complete Streets requirements and to better integrate SR 99 into the local network. One way we assessed what improvements are needed is by looking at the key challenges of the area based on data and community and agency feedback. Challenges identified include:

• Stressful conditions for people walking and biking.
• Incomplete bike and pedestrian facilities and missing connections.
• Large distances between controlled pedestrian crossings.
• Between 2019 and 2023, there were more than 60 fatal or serious injury crashes.
• Unreliable or lack of access to transit.
• Balancing the needs of freight and local traffic.
• Too few affordable, healthy travel options for everyone.

However, for all its challenges, this section of SR 99 has so many opportunities:

• Three Community Transit Swift bus rapid transit lines run along (Blue line) or cross (Orange and Green lines) the corridor.
• Link light rail is close by today, while a future unfunded Link station at SR 99 and Airport Road will serve the community.
• Existing and future planned Business Access and Transit lanes between 148th Street Southwest and Airport Road to help prioritize buses over other vehicles.
• Paine Field is just north of the area, serving as a major regional travel and employment hub.
• New housing options are being developed right along the corridor.

New housing is being built along the SR 99 corridor in Snohomish County

🎶 Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for 🎶

We wanted to hear what you, the community, thought about options to improve SR 99. And hear from you we did! We heard comments and feedback from nearly 1,000 people via tabling events, online open houses and surveys, and focus groups.

According to you, these are the most important investments we could make:

Theme	Summary of Community Feedback
Better Transit Service	Community emphasized the need for buses to be on schedule and reliable. Community requested easier access to bus stops.
Pedestrian‑Level Amenities and Lighting	Community highlighted the importance of better lighting and a more welcoming streetscape for pedestrians, specifically landscaping and trees.
Slow Traffic Speeds	Community requested slower traffic speeds in locations where speeding and walking frequently overlap.
More Frequent Controlled Crossings	Community identified areas lacking controlled crossing spots, particularly around commercial areas and activity centers.

Based on this feedback, we developed two types of recommendations.

The first type of recommendation was for corridor-wide concepts which show the details of a roadway like number of lanes, bicycle and pedestrian facilities and center median. There were two of these: separated bike lanes or shared-use paths.

Take a look at each of these:

Corridor-wide concept showing separated bike lanes and sidewalks alongside SR 99

Corridor-wide concept showing a shared-use path that combines walking and biking space behind a landscaped buffer

While similar in that each recommended corridor-wide concept offers separate travel lanes for cars and buses, landscaping closest to the sidewalk, and improved pedestrian lighting, the big difference is how people walking or bicycling travel: either in separated bike lanes and sidewalks, or traveling together in a shared-use path. The idea for these two concepts is that they are interchangeable, depending on which concept makes the most sense in specific places.

The second type of recommendation are spot treatment packages which consist of multiple spot treatments in different types of locations. There are four spot treatment packages.

Examples of spot treatments that can make crossings shorter, clearer, and more comfortable for people walking and rolling

The first spot treatment package, Enhancements at Traffic Lights, combines multiple spot treatments like crosswalks, pedestrian crossings and crossing islands that could be implemented where there is an existing traffic signal such as the intersection of SR 99 and SR 524/196th Street Southwest.

Package 1 combines multiple improvements that can be implemented at traffic signals to improve safety and comfort.

The third spot treatment package, controlled pedestrian crossing, adds a new signalized crossing for pedestrians in between roadway intersections, which combines crosswalks, a pedestrian island, pedestrian signals, and improved lighting spot treatments.

Dedicated bus lanes can improve transit reliability while the corridor is redesigned to better support all travel modes.

Check out our complete study to learn more about the corridor-wide concepts and the spot treatment packages plus where we might build them.

🎶Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies 🎶

We're excited about the corridor-wide concepts and spot treatment packages you helped us develop. These will provide new and improved options for people to walk, roll, bike, take the bus or drive:

• Walk, roll, or bike: More dedicated space. Better connections to Swift buses along the corridor. Bike facilities. Improved sidewalks and crossings.
• Take the bus: Dedicated bus lanes mean more reliable arrival times and better connections to light rail.
• Drive: Maintaining four vehicle lanes (two in each direction). Access to residences, local businesses and services is maintained. Expect some traffic congestion during rush hour.

🎶 It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright), sun-shiny day 🎶

Even though we finished our study, in a way, our work is just beginning.

We're going to keep working with the community and our partners at the cities of Lynnwood, Everett, and Edmonds, Snohomish County, Community Transit and Sound Transit. Together, we can figure out how to make these concepts reality.

Our study is only the first step. We will need additional funding, partnership and engagement to finish our work and build the complete vision.

Read more information on our project website: SR 99 Lynnwood and Unincorporated Snohomish County Pre-design Study | WSDOT

Take a 3-minute break with Jimmy Cliff, who inspired the theme of this blog post: https://youtu.be/MrHxhQPOO2c?si=Z68HwsNEQqBWnyii

All Roads Lead to Bingen

By: Sarah Hannon-Nein

Where a Mill Town Meets a Modern Need

The small town of Bingen sits quietly along the Columbia River in Klickitat County. For years, the town has relied on the lumber industry and on the river to stay connected and thriving.

But for travelers, workers, and emergency responders, one barrier has stood in their way.

To reach Bingen Point and the Port of Klickitat, drivers must cross railroad tracks that run along the south side of State Route 14. When trains pass through, or stop on the tracks, traffic backs up—causing long delays. For some, these delays can be frustrating. In an emergency, they can be critical.

The City of Bingen has grown quickly in recent years. As the town has grown, traffic on SR 14 has also increased. That makes this project even more important. It addresses today’s traffic concerns and prepares the community for future growth.

But there’s good news. A long-term solution is now underway.

The new roundabout at the intersection of Juniper Street and SR 14 will improve traffic flow and safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Keeping Bingen Moving

Late last year, construction started on the SR 14 Bingen and Port of Klickitat Access Improvements project. The key feature is a new underpass beneath the railroad tracks. This allows drivers to travel between SR 14, Bingen Point, and the Port without stopping and waiting for trains.

The underpass under construction on SR 14 in Bingen, allowing traffic to pass beneath the railroad tracks.

The underpass will create a safer and more reliable connection while improving traffic flow. But this project does more than save time. It helps keep people and goods moving safely and smoothly, without unexpected delays.

A Street Named by the People

Before construction began, project designers studied the area near the train tracks. Their goal was to improve travel, reduce congestion and delays and increase safety. They decided that building a new road next to the underpass would give the community more direct access to the port.

In 2023, WSDOT and the City of Bingen attended the annual Huckleberry Festival. Keeping with Bingen's tradition of naming streets after trees, they invited residents to help name the newest street.

The winning name: Juniper Street.

The Roundabout Difference

At the intersection of Juniper Street and SR 14, another key feature is taking shape: a new roundabout.

Roundabouts help keep traffic moving smoothly. They're safer and more efficient for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. By slowing down, yielding, and moving when its safe, drivers reduce backups, lower the risk of serious collisions, and improve travel time.

At the center of this roundabout, a special feature tells the story of Bingen.

The Story at the Center

Located within the heart of the roundabout, a historic pond boat will be displayed as public art. The boat was once used by SDS Lumber Company to move logs along the Columbia River. It was donated to the city of Bingen for this purpose and to honor the town's legacy as a lumber community.

Historic pond boats once used by SDS Lumber Company to move logs, now displayed as public art in the roundabout center

The display is a reminder that while Bingen is growing, it hasn't forgotten its roots.

From Timber to Today

Bingen takes pride in its working-class spirit, cultural and economic diversity, and strong connection to outdoor recreation. This project reflects key parts of Bingen's vision as a rural town along an important transportation corridor.

• Safety: Improving traffic flow and access for first responders and reducing crashes.
• Connectivity: Providing easier, faster access to businesses and recreational opportunities on Bingen Point.
• Community: Inviting residents to help plan the project and name new streets.
• Heritage: Honoring the town's history through meaningful public art.

In Bingen, progress means honoring the past while building a safe, connected, and livable future for everyone.

They’re back -- FREE overnight high school transportation summer camps

By Lisa Walzl

Are you a high school student passionate about a career in transportation? Or just curious about the rapidly evolving industry? Ever want to take a behind the scenes tour of a bridge or other parts of our state transportation system? Do you know a teenager who would?

If so, we have an adventure-filled summer camp experience for you. Back by popular demand, we're offering high school students a chance to spend a week exploring the transportation field. Students will do hands-on projects and get university-led instruction. They'll get to experience real-world applications in planning, engineering and technology. You'll find this all at our Washington Transportation Camp 2026 hosted by PacTrans and WSDOT.

Students touring the WSDOT Transportation Management Center in Shoreline.

We're offering two free immersive camp experiences this summer. Both camps include lodging at a state university. One is a six-day camp at Washington State University in Pullman from June 21-26. The second is a six-day camp at the University of Washington in Seattle from Aug. 2-7. Students will stay on campus in university dormitories during the camp. Sponsors cover all lodging and meals. There are no costs for students.

We are currently accepting applications. The deadline to apply for both camps is Friday, April 10. To be considered, applicants must be entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade at a Washington state school for the fall 2026 semester. They also need to be able to attend the entire session. You don't need previous experience in engineering or transportation – but curiosity is a must!

To learn more about these programs and to apply, visit the camp website.

Students meeting with the WSDOT Incident Response Team.

Both camps offer students the chance to:

• Take field trips. Professionals will take students to transportation facilities like the Northwest Region Transportation Management Center. You'll gain insight into their inner workings.
• Showcase their knowledge in collaborative group projects.
• Make new friends and experience life on a college campus.
• Explore the potential for a future career in transportation – whether it's in engineering, planning or beyond.

Students creating transportation models at the Washington State University camp.

This could be the start of a career in transportation, engineering, planning or a whole host of other fields. But even if it's not, participants will learn more about the transportation systems they use every day. And they’ll have some pretty good stories to share with friends and family about the unique experience they had over the summer.

We hope to see you there!

Community Voices Helping Shape the SR 900 Corridor

By: Nick Menzel

Your input helped shape this project

In late summer and early fall 2025, we asked for your input, and you answered. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the State Route 900/57th Avenue South to 135th Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements project. Now, we’d love to show you how we put that feedback to use.

Project Vicinity Map

Community engagement and feedback

Our online engagement included an open house and a survey that was open for 29 days, from Aug. 12 to Sept. 9, 2025. During that time, our project page welcomed 377 visitors. We received 50 survey responses. We mailed more than 3,700 postcards to residents and businesses within a half mile of the project area. The survey was available in eight languages: Amharic, Chinese (Traditional), English, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.

We wanted to reach the whole community, so we also brought the conversation into the neighborhood. We attended meetings with the West Hill Community Association and Skyway Coalition. We also connected with apartment complexes to help share information. And we invited people to join the conversation at community events.

WSDOT staffing a table at the West Hill Community Association Trunk-or-Treat event.

What we heard and how it informs the project

We heard from people who know SR 900 well. They shared their thoughts about how much they use the corridor. They also shared safety concerns and ideas for improvements. Below are some of the main themes:

• Frequent corridor users:
• Most respondents travel along SR 900 between 57th Avenue South and South 135th Street daily or many times per day
• Travel modes include driving, transit, walking, biking, and mobility devices
• Driving is most common; transit is second, followed by walking and biking
• Top concerns:
• Fast-moving traffic (primary concern)
• Missing sidewalks
• Insufficient crosswalks
• Limited lighting
• Lack of bike facilities
• Most requested improvements:
• Slower vehicle speeds (top priority)
• More medians/traffic separators
• Improved lighting
• More benches and amenities
• Safer, more frequent crossings
• Wider sidewalks for comfort and accessibility
• Preliminary alternatives feedback: Participants noted that they preferred Alternative 1, of the options presented.

How community feedback informed the project

Feedback on needs, priorities and preferences guided the project team. Based on your feedback, we selected Alternative 1 as the preferred alternative for SR 900. The project design will use this option to improve safety, accessibility and comfort.

Alternative 1 showing narrower lanes and no lane reduction. The westbound shoulder has been removed.

What’s next?

The project team is moving into the next phase of work. We'll work on design and right-of-way acquisition for Phase A. We'll also complete a construction cost estimate. Construction of Phase A is not funded, so we’ll seek funding once that work is complete.

An environmental justice assessment is also an important part of this project and will begin soon. Throughout this next phase, we’ll continue to engage with the community. We'll also stay in close communication with our agency partners. We’re moving ahead thoughtfully and collaboratively.

Learn more and stay informed

We are committed to transparency throughout this process, and your feedback and voice make a difference. Thanks for helping to make this community driven.

Project webpage

• Visit the project page for the latest updates and detailed information. You can also find recordings/presentations from our Advisory Group meetings.
• Email updates: Sign up for news and study updates.

Contact Info

Amber Stanley - Community Engagement Lead
Phone: 206-817-8833
Email: amber.stanley@wsdot.wa.gov