ARLINGTON – Installation of a temporary signal at Highway 530 and Smokey Point Boulevard has been delayed until at least late September or early October.

“We owe the community an apology,” said Jim Kelly, Arlington’s Public Works director. The city has been working with the state Department of Transportation since November to get approval and permits to install the signal.

WSDOT has agreed that the signal is warranted at the triangle intersection of Highway 530 and the boulevard, and has approved the city to move forward with final permitting and construction for the signal.

Because it’s a state highway, the city is required to add elements to the project at multiple points during the review process, which has unfortunately delayed the issuance of the necessary approvals, officials said.

“To say that we are disappointed that the signal is not yet installed would be an understatement,” Kelly said, adding they hoped it would have been done last month.

Before the city can bid the project, WSDOT also must approve the construction plans and the equipment to be installed. The city’s current schedule anticipates awarding the contract the the City Council’s Aug. 5 meeting.