43rd Ave SE/Sunset Rd

Description

To provide better access and connectivity between 180th St SE and State Route (SR) 524 / Maltby Road for motorists and pedestrians, Snohomish County Public Works is planning arterial improvements on 43rd Ave SE from SR 524 to Sunset Road at 180th St SE. Snohomish County is beginning a design study, which will include evaluating improvements to both the rural and urban portions of the 43rd Ave SE corridor.

The project includes widening 43rd Ave SE from SR 524 to 188th St SE to a two-lane rural roadway section. A new public road connection (approx. 1,400 ft.) between 200th St SE and 196th St SE is also proposed. Additionally, the existing concrete sidewalks between 188th St SE and Jewell Rd / 196th St SE are proposed to be replaced with rural pedestrian facilities.


Urban road improvements are proposed for the portion from 188th St SE to 180th St SE. This includes the addition of a new public road connection (approx. 450 ft.) between 43rd Ave SE and Sunset Rd.


Schedule

  • 2016-2020: Design, survey, environmental review, right-of-way acquisition
    • The process of developing road projects takes several years. Many factors must be considered, including: location of homes; public right-of-way; stormwater runoff, drainage and water quality; wetlands and buffers; hilly terrain; sight distance; soils; traffic volumes; accident history; vehicle and pedestrian access; location of utilities; and information that residents provide about the area.
  • 2021-2022: Construction

Traffic Impact / Road Closure

Due to the current width of the road south of 188th St SE and rising traffic volumes, Public Works is temporarily closing 43rd Ave SE at 188th St SE to vehicle traffic. The closure goes into effect the week of July 11, 2016 and is proposed to last until improvements are made to 43rd Ave SE. Pedestrian access will still be 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 will complete an environmental review of the proposed project area in compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).


Public Meeting

Snohomish County Public Works held a public meeting 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: