Project overview
To address congestion at the I-5/SR 528 interchange and on I-5 between Everett and Marysville, WSDOT built a new roundabout at the I-5/SR 529 interchange, added new ramps from I-5 northbound to SR 529 and SR 529 to southbound I-5, extend the I-5 northbound HOV lane from near US 2 to SR 529 and added a third general purpose through lane on northbound I-5 from Marine View Drive to SR 529.
What to expect
This project has opened:
- The northbound I-5 HOV lane extension from Pacific Avenue in Everett to the Steamboat Slough Bridge in Marysville.
- A third general purpose through lane at Marine View Drive in Everett.
- A new northbound I-5 off-ramp to SR 529.
- A new on-ramp to southbound I-5 from SR 529.
- A new roundabout on SR 529 that allows vehicles exiting northbound I-5 to use either northbound or southbound SR 529.
- An accessible route on SR 529 underneath the northbound I-5 off-ramp for bicyclists, pedestrians and mobility device users, which allows them to use the shoulder without crossing traffic.
Some minor work remains. People traveling between Everett and Marysville northbound and southbound on I-5 or SR 529 should plan for nighttime lane reductions between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
The project will add a roundabout at the I-5/SR 529 interchange, a northbound off-ramp from I-5 to SR 529 and an on-ramp from SR 529 to southbound I-5, and a northbound HOV lane between Marine View Drive in Everett and SR 529 in Marysville.
Needs and benefits
The population of Snohomish County increased by over 400,000 residents between 1980 and 2018. It's expected to gain another 200,000 residents by 2035. This explosive growth increased the number of vehicles using I-5 between Everett and Marysville, with around 65,000 vehicles traveling in the northbound direction alone each day. Drivers frequently experience heavy congestion and long commute times. In addition, traffic at the I-5/SR 528 interchange in Marysville often backs up, creating additional delays.
The 2015 Connecting Washington transportation package provided funding for this project.
WSDOT formed a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) made up of representatives from area cities, agencies and tribes to make recommendations on how to reduce congestion. In August 2019, with feedback from the SAG, WSDOT selected a preferred alternative. WSDOT built a permanent fourth lane for HOVs, extended the existing HOV lane in Everett to SR 529. The three general-purpose lanes remain in place. WSDOT chose this alternative after studying data that shows a high percentage of HOV-eligible vehicles regularly travel through the area. In addition, WSDOT improved interchange to serve people who bike, walk and use mobility devices on SR 529 between Marysville and Everett.
The benefits of a new HOV lane and an improved interchange include:
- Improved access: A completed SR 529 interchange, with new connections between Marysville and I-5.
- Congestion relief: A new HOV lane on northbound I-5 will reduce backups and improve traffic flow from Everett to Marysville on both weekdays and weekends.
- HOV lane compatibility and cost: A new HOV lane is compatible with the existing HOV system between Tacoma and Everett and requires the lowest capital and operating costs.
- Bikes and pedestrians: Bike and pedestrian access maintained on SR 529.
- Restore fish habitat: To mitigate this project, WSDOT restored about 12.5 acres of saltwater marsh habitat.
