City Center Access Study

What It Is...

What local transportation system improvements are necessary to support future growth in the City Center area? Will new or improved local streets provide sufficient mobility, or is a new on or off ramp from I-5 or SR-525 necessary? Exciting transportation projects are underway in Lynnwood. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is moving forward with plans for new and improved connections at I-5 and SR- 525, and the City is conducting a study of downtown Lynnwood to determine what, if any, transportation improvements could be made to improve access to the new City Center. Lynnwood has been honored to be 1 of 3 designated urban centers in Snohomish County as a part of the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Destination 2030 plan.

In the spring of 2006, the City began a study to determine whether improvements to the local transportation system or access to major highways are needed. The study will evaluate whether improvements to the local transportation system alone can meet future needs, or if Lynnwood needs additional access to the regional transportation system (such as SR-525 or I-5). This study is funded by a federal appropriation supported by U.S. Senator Patty Murray and U.S. Representative Jay Inslee. Any new access to I-5 would require the approval of WSDOT and the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA), thus both agencies have been included in the study from the beginning. With increased density planned in the City Center, a growing economy, and a need to maintain quality of life, the City of Lynnwood will keep working to make sure the transportation infrastructure keeps pace with growth.

Project Manager:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Milestones

Because this study is very complex, the City has divided it into four phases:
Phase 1 The Feasibility Study, described above, to be completed by late 2007. View Feasibility Study
Phase 2 If the feasibility study identifies that improvements to the local transportation system alone are not adequate and that modified or new access to the regional transportation system is necessary, an Interchange Justification Report will be developed. The Interchange Justification Report is the formal review document by WSDOT and FHWA.
Phase 3 Develop final design, acquire any necessary rights of way, and solicit bids for construction.
Phase 4 Construct improvements.

Links to Other Projects

The alternatives proposed as part of the Access Study will influence the findings of the City Center Street Master Plan.

How Can You Be Involved?

On April 19, 2007, the City hosted an Open House at the Lynnwood Convention Center from 3:00-7:00 p.m. This large community workshop provided the public with an opportunity to learn about and provide input on the City Center and other City projects.