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WSDOT trestle study update presented; council signals interest in regional stance on tolling
Summary
Public works director Aaron Halvorsen summarized WSDOT alternatives for the Highway 2 trestle replacement, noting screening narrowed options and that many viable alternatives include two general‑purpose lanes, one HOV/transit lane and full shoulders; council raised concerns about tolling and emergency‑service impacts and asked staff to pursue a coordinated regional stance.
Public Works Director Aaron Halvorsen briefed council on the WSDOT alternatives evaluation for the Highway 2 trestle replacement: the study’s purpose is to improve multimodal mobility, safety and resiliency. Halvorsen said prescreening eliminated retrofit and certain extension alternatives, and remaining options focus on lane configuration, HOV/transit continuity and adequate shoulders to remove disabled vehicles safely.
Halvorsen summarized traffic analysis findings and showed that some alternatives would increase westbound traffic reaching Everett by 10–30% compared to no build. He said WSDOT has progressed to options that typically include two general‑purpose lanes plus an HOV/transit lane and full shoulders, and that the agency has invited public feedback. "The replacement must improve mobility for all travel modes," Halvorsen said.
Council members expressed sharp concern about tolling as a funding mechanism. Multiple members urged the city to take a regional position against tolls because they could affect commuters, emergency services that cross the bridge and local housing markets. The mayor and several council members asked staff to prepare options for the city to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and to consider a formal stance ahead of further WSDOT public engagement.
