Everett
The Washington State Department of Transportation has announced a continuation of the full closure on Lowell-Snohomish River Road through September 30, citing delays in bridge construction for Highway 9.
The road, completely shut down since August 17, had been slated to reopen this week. However, progress on the new bridge structure has lagged behind initial projections, prompting the extension. Local residents and businesses continue to have access despite the ongoing work.
Department spokesperson Marcus Humberg explained that specialized equipment, particularly a large crane, is required for several key phases of the bridge, including the installation of shaft casings and other essential structural elements. To expedite completion, crews have increased their work schedule, operating into evenings and on weekends.
The closure coincides with major upgrades to the highway corridor linking Everett and downtown Snohomish. Construction teams began placing new girders and erecting two bridge piers within the Snohomish River as part of a $142 million initiative to expand Highway 9. That effort includes constructing a dedicated span for northbound and southbound traffic, in addition to modernizing the existing river crossing.
WSDOT initiated the project to缓解 persistent congestion along a route that evolved from a rural two-lane artery into a high-traffic corridor serving the eastern side of the U.S. 2 trestle. Peak-hour delays have become increasingly common, especially as regional population growth intensifies demand on the corridor.