LYNNWOOD, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is studying a proposal to add bike lanes and other safety features along Highway 99 in Snohomish County.
The agency is currently gathering public input on the potential project through an online open house that closes Thursday.
The proposal focuses on a nearly seven-mile stretch of Highway 99 extending from Lynnwood through unincorporated Snohomish County toward Everett.
The corridor serves approximately 40,000 vehicles daily and could cost up to $800 million to upgrade, according to a report.
Along with dedicated bike lanes, potential improvements under consideration include upgraded street lighting, sidewalk and pedestrian crossing enhancements, better access to public transit buses and general aesthetic upgrades.
Eric Zackula, a communications representative with WSDOT, emphasized the role of public feedback in shaping the potential project. “From the people who use the stretch of roadway, who live in the community, they’re the ones who will help us prioritize the improvements,” Zackula said.
The Interurban Trail runs close to Highway 99 near 216th St SW, with the roadway and trail nearly crossing paths.
Some cyclists expressed a preference for remaining on the Interurban Trail, while others questioned whether allocating transportation resources toward Highway 99 for bike lanes.
Dawn Boyd, a local cyclist, said she would welcome having dedicated bike lanes on the highway as an alternative.
“I would especially when it gets dark earlier. I don’t take the Interurban when it’s dark,” Boyd said.
Cyclists also pointed to gaps in the existing infrastructure along the Interurban Trail near Alderwood Mall, noting that resolving these trail disconnects would benefit many riders in the area.
Cyclist Matt Luthy said the Interurban Trail works for him and many others.
“Given that this trail basically does the same thing that they’re suggesting.”
He added that lanes on Highway 99 might feel redundant even if they managed to protect cyclists and give them another route.
“I mean, safety- I’m strictly in favor of safety for cyclists. It doesn’t seem like the ideal use of those funds.”
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