Date:
Monday, November 20, 2006
Contact:
Jamie Holter, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4472 (Seattle)
SEATTLE – The holiday shopping season begins at 12:01 Friday morning. To help prepare drivers for what certainly lies ahead, WSDOT, WSP Troopers in Snohomish County and local law enforcement are teaming up to make sure drivers know the ins and outs of getting around the booming new retail corridor in Marysville, Tulalip and Arlington.
“We got a taste of what was to come at Labor Day. We saw drivers backed up onto the freeway for miles trying to get to the new stores. That’s a recipe for collisions. We need people to plan ahead, know the area, and stay in touch with real-time traffic information so they can make the best choices about when and how to get here,” said Trooper Keith Leary.
“First and foremost, we want folks to know there are four exits to get to the retail centers,
not just one,” said Mike Swires, WSDOT traffic engineer. “Secondly, we want drivers to take advantage of all the traffic information we have in the area. The traffic information will help these drivers make the best choices about how and when to come.”
WSDOT traffic engineers showcased the new tools for drivers today in the parking lot of Kohl’s, the region’s newest department store on Monday, Nov. 20.
The tools include real-time traffic pictures that will come into the traffic management center via live video link from the WSP traffic plane. Traffic engineers will put that information into the 511 traveler information system.
WSDOT will also add highway advisory radio and portable reader boards to warn drivers to watch for holiday traffic and remind drivers of the four exits to the area. State and local engineers are also working together to maximize green light time at off-ramps to help vehicles get through the intersections more quickly. Finally, WSDOT has produced a printed map to get drivers where they want to go quickly.
The Marysville Tulalip Visitor Center is another good resource for traffic information once drivers get to the area. The center is located just off the 88th Street exit. The center offers free wifi services and instant traffic advisories and is open seven days a week from nine to five.
“Just getting drivers to put down the cell phone and engage in driving will be the most important thing out there,” said Trooper Leary. “Reminding drivers that they should expect other shoppers out there helps ease frustration.”
WSDOT, WSP and local law enforcement will be working together with one purpose in mind. “We want to make sure drivers get their shopping done and are home safely to see the smiles on the faces when the gifts are delivered,” said Trooper Leary.
The 2006 holiday season is a critical one for city, county and Tulalip Reservation retailers. This year (2006), this area added more than 100 acres of retail space. Next year (2007), they expect another 100 plus acres. “The new sales tax generated will be in the neighborhood of $2.2 million,” said Caldie Rogers, President/CEO Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce. “We will be able to use this money toward new and improved roads in the coming years. It’s the seed money for growing our infrastructure.”
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Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
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