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Thursday, February 13, 2025

Shoreline Moves Ahead With Highway Expansion

Big state projects are underway. One is the N 145th Street widening project which is being done in three phases. The  first is the section of roadway between I-5 and Corliss Avenue N. with a plan to complete it in 2024. Phases 2 and 3 have been funded through design but not construction and will include property acquisition.

The excitement to some involves the remake of  NE 145th Street and I-5 with a pair of twin roundabouts, paired with a widening of 145th Street. The City of Shoreline also has the arrival of Link light rail with Sound Transit looking to open two local stations in 2024.  The major construction aspects are now coming upon the city – a time when more good paying jobs are needed.

Earlier this year, the Shoreline City Council approved funds for the remake of the 145th Street interchange at Interstate 5. 

The existing squared intersections on both sides of the interstate will be replaced with roundabouts. Shoreline leaders state that the design as one that will “improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists by separating them from vehicle traffic at well-marked and lighted crosswalks and reducing crossing distances,” while also providing increased throughput for vehicles. The agency has installed a number of roundabouts in recent years around the state. 

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For bikers, the upgrades to the I-5 overpass include a 2-way protected bike lane next to the sidewalk along the north side. In addition, Shoreline is working on a separate project aimed at the larger 145th Street corridor between Aurora Avenue and I-5 which will include acquiring property. It will add a center turn lane along most of the corridor.  The total number of travel lanes will go from four to five. 

Bus service on the stretch between Aurora Avenue and I-5 only has peak hour bus service. Transit lanes are not included in the project design. Also no room will be provided along 145th Street for any dedicated bicycle facilities with this project. However, a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge, Shoreline’s counterpart to the John Lewis Memorial Bridge at Northgate Station, is also planned at 148th Street.  

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