US HWY 2 NON-MOTORIZED SHARED PATH

Concept image of completed project along US 2, facing west towards 179th Ave SE.

Project Description

The intent of this project is to provide a separated path for pedestrians, bicyclists, and power wheelchairs that currently travel along the shoulder of Highway 2, between 179^th Avenue and Cascade View Drive.  These road users travel from the residential areas along 179^th Avenue to the North Kelsey shopping centers, approximately ¾ of a mile along Highway 2.  This project will construct a shared-use path adjacent to the Evergreen State Fairgrounds and provide a connection to the existing sidewalks along 179^th Avenue and east of Cascade View Drive. The path will be within WSDOT right-of-way that is managed by the City.

Project Background

Beginning in 2016, City Staff applied for several grant programs to help fund this project.  The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) awarded $112,710 for the design phase in 2020, and $432,500 for the construction phase in 2022.  These are federal grant funds for PSRC’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program.  In addition, Snohomish County is willing to partner with the City and contribute towards the construction of this project.  The remaining project expenses will be paid using local funds, primarily collected from Transportation Impact Fees and supplemented as necessary with Real Estate Excise Tax.

In 2021, the City worked with an engineering consultant to develop the project plans, specifications, and cost estimate (PS&E).  There were several coordination meetings with WSDOT, Snohomish County Parks, utility providers, Monroe Police Department, and the City's Economic Development Advisory Board.

Proposed project elements include a 12-foot wide asphalt path, new fencing, path lighting, street trees and landscaping, pedestrian bridge, and a marked crosswalk at Cascade View Drive.

The project was advertised for contractor bids in the Daily Journal of Commerce and the Everett Herald on June 22, 2022. The Engineer’s probable cost opinion was $1,080,000. Three bids were received and opened on July 14, with bids ranging from $1,417,920 to $1,506,497, inclusive of sales tax. The following contractors submitted the two lowest bids:

• Apparent Low: Taylor's Excavators $1,417,920
• Apparent Second Low: Road Construction Northwest $1,444,864

After review and state licensing verification, the lowest responsive bidder is Taylor's Excavators and is being offered the construction contract. Construction is expected to begin in October after the Evergreen State Fair. The contractor has indicated a necessary longer project timeline in order for some materials to become available, such as pathway lighting and a steel pedestrian bridge to span over the roadside drainage channel. The contractor will construct the majority of the project in October and November this year before suspending the work until remaining material becomes available. The anticipated restart date is in May, 2023.