MARYSVILLE – The start of the process to build a new intersection just south of Marysville connecting to Interstate 5 will begin in March.
Public Works Director Kevin Nielsen told the City Council that at its meeting Monday.
He said the proposals will go out then, and the bid probably awarded this summer. The project is one of many Connect Washington projects. A total of $16 billion over 16 years is in the plan, paid for by an 11.9 cent a gallon gas tax increase over the last two years. The largest part of that, $9.4 billion, is for state and local roads.
Five of the projects target the Marysville and Smokey Point areas.
•88th Street interchange to relieve backups on I-5 at peak times. 2016-2021.
•116th Street interchange to relieve backups on I-5 at peak times. 2016-2021.
•Highway 529 interchange to relieve backups on I-5 at peak times. 2018-2023.
•Highway 531 expansion to relieve congestion. 2020-2025.
•156th Street interchange to relieve backups on I-5 at peak times. 2026-2031.
Nielsen said the projects also include shoulder work to allow for use during peak times between Marysville and Everett.
Another major announcement was the grand opening for the new trails soon in the Qwuloolt Estuary. The exact date was not set, but parks director Jim Ballew said trail work should be done in a month or so. The only major vote taken by the council concerned an annexation of 70-some acres south of Ebey Slough. Zoned industrial, the council approved it.
Planning director Dave Koenig said more online permits and larger developments were seen in 2016. The total amount of permits was $136 million.
And the city’s Diversity Advisory Committee gave a short presentation. Chairman Mark Austin said their recommendations are to make Marysville more inclusive. Member Jim Strickland said they want to recognize businesses that hire disabled workers with certificates.
In other news:
•Mayor Jon Nehring went to the Me We event Saturday that raised $10,000 that will go toward building schools in Kenya.
•Nehring was re-elected to the SERS board, with Police Chief Rick Smith again the alternate.
•Council member Jeff Seibert was reappointed to SWAC, with councilman Jeff Vaughan again the alternate.
•Council members Donna Wright and Vaughan were renamed to the LEOFF board.
