43rd Ave SE/Sunset Rd

November 2019 Update


An open house was held on December 5 to discuss proposed road improvements for the 43rd Ave SE/Sunset Rd project. See more info below in the Open House section.

Description

Snohomish County Public Works  proposes to construct arterial improvements to approximately 1.7 miles of 43rd Ave SE from SR 524 (Maltby Road) to Sunset Rd at 180th St SE. Construction includes the following primary elements:

  • Widen 43rd Ave SE from SR 524 north to 188th St SE to a two-lane rural section
  • Add approximately 1,400 linear feet of new county rural road to connect 200th St SE and 196th St SE
  • Improve the existing urban section of 43rd Avenue SE from 188th St SE north to 184th St SE
  • Add approximately 450 linear feet of new county urban road between 184th St SE and 42nd Dr SE
  • Install two new roundabouts on 43rd Ave SE at SR 524 and at 196th St SE
  • Install new traffic signal and turn pockets at 180th St SE and Sunset Rd
  • Add two new stormwater ponds and three underground stormwater chambers

Schedule

The project team has been working hard to develop the design report for this project. The design report includes roadway section, intersection, and drainage alternatives for the project. The draft schedule for this project has been updated and is listed below.

  • 2016-2018: Completed field survey and preliminary design  
  • 2019: Environmental studies
  • October 2019: Completed traffic noise study
  • December 2019: Public open house
  • 2020-2021: Design, right of way acquisitions and utility relocations
  • 2021: Go out for construction bids
  • 2022-2023: Construction of roadway

Traffic Impact / Road Closure

Due to the current width of the road south of 188th St SE, Public Works has closed 43rd Ave SE at 188th St SE to vehicle traffic until road improvements are made. The closure has been in effect since July 11, 2016. Pedestrian access is allowed.


Alternative routes:

  • Residents north of 188th St SE can use 35th Ave SE via 187th Pl SE (a new connection was constructed) to travel south.
  • Residents at or south of 188th St SE should use 196th St SE or Jewell Rd as an alternative route.

For more information regarding the road closure, read the frequently asked questions (FAQ) (PDF).

43rd Ave SE detour map

Funding

The proposed design, right-of-way, and construction will be funded by the Snohomish County Road Fund. The county will pursue grants and other funding opportunities to help fund the project as the design process proceeds.

Environmental Review

The county has worked with consultants to conduct environmental review of the proposed project area in compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Study topics included: gathering noise measurements for noise impact analysis; determining the presence of streams, wetlands and their buffers; and cultural and historic resources. This work took place during 2019 within the public right of way and adjacent properties as allowed by adjacent landowners.

Open House - 2019

An open house was held on December 5, 2019 to discuss proposed road improvements for the 43rd Ave SE/Sunset Rd project. Items discussed included project benefits, right-of-way, environmental review, and Urban Growth Boundary. Current proposed designs were on display. Staff was available to answer questions and gather feedback.

Open House - 2017

Snohomish County Public Works held an open house on June 27, 2017 to discuss four projects in this area. The projects were the 35th Ave SE - Phase II, 43rd Ave SE/Sunset Rd, 180th St SE Phase I and II, and 196th St SE/Grannis Rd. Staff was available to answer questions, review proposed improvements and gather feedback on potential designs.

Documents

Other Projects in the Area

In addition to the 43rd Ave. SE project, the county is working on improvements to other nearby corridors including: