Relief is on the way for drivers in constant congestion on SR 167
Aug 11, 2014, 5:57 AM | Updated: 9:21 am
In KIRO Radio’s Chokepoints series, we take a closer look at the traffic issues plaguing commuters in the Puget Sound region.
Blake from Kent sums up the gridlock along Highway 167 by saying “it’s miserable,” and he believes it is overlooked by the state. He feels ignored, shunned and swept under the rug.
Highway 167 is one of the worst spots throughout all of Puget Sound. In both directions, it’s a nightmare almost all day.
Highway 167 carries 116,000 cars every day, and it has generated a lot of listener feedback.
Well Blake, the state began a small project Sunday night that should help a little.
It is getting rid of the double white lines that restrict access in and out of the HOT lanes. When the project is complete, drivers will be able to move in and out of the HOT lane without restrictions. There will be closures on the highway overnight for the next two weeks to make this happen.
But that’s not the only fix coming to 167. Craig Stone, with the Washington State Department of Transportation, said a major improvement is on the way for the southbound HOT lanes.
Starting next year, construction will begin to add a third lane from Highway 18 south to Pacific. That’s about five miles. That third lane will extend the HOT lane to 8th Street East.
“Why to 8th?” Stone asked. “That’s a major route now, going across the valley that takes you up the hill to Lakeland Hills and that development area. I think what you’ll see is people driving 167 are going to appreciate that a lot.”
The extension should be complete in 2017.
Stone said there are big plans to improve the interchange at I-405, too, which should really make a big difference, but that project is waiting for funding from the Legislature.
“We have some plans to put in some fly-over ramps,” he said. “That will help everybody, but it comes down to funding priorities and being able to work with the Legislature on a package.”
For Blake, who feels frustrated, and for all the other drivers on 167, the state is working on it.
