Hurst: new transportation plan fixes Highway 18 and finally completes Highway 167
Published 2:30 pm Tuesday, July 7, 2015
For the Reporter
With a new transportation plan passed out of the Legislature, Rep. Christopher Hurst, D-Enumclaw, says the benefits will be felt by average people and businesses big and small.
“Traffic gridlock has become an economic and public safety crisis,” said Hurst, who represents Auburn in the 31st Legislative District. “Traffic delays are harming citizens, businesses, and even the ability for our police and fire to respond to emergencies. As a fiscal conservative, I am careful with our tax dollars, but it is time to make new investments in our transportation system.”
The $16.1 billion construction plan will create an estimated 100,000 jobs throughout the state. It includes $8.8 billion for state and local highways, $1.4 billion for maintenance and preservation and $1 billion for trains and buses.
Key local projects in the 31st District include a new Highway 18 off-ramp and the completion of Highway 167.
“Today, folks trying to get through Auburn on their way to the Muckleshoot Casino, the White River Amphitheater, Enumclaw, Mount Rainier or destinations to the East must drive on incomprehensively crowded local city streets,” Hurst said. “During the busiest of hours this makes it tough for local folks in Auburn to drive anywhere.
“For years I have been working on a new exit on Highway 18 east of the Auburn Way South exit that would bypass this already congested area,” Hurst said. “This route would then join Highway 164 just passed the Muckleshoot Casino. I am pleased to report that I was successful in getting this critically important project funded in the Transportation Revenue Package. This project will be under way shortly and will dramatically reduce traffic in Auburn, Highway 18 and State Route 167.”
Hurst said the transportation plan was written and supported by lawmakers from both parties in the House and Senate, although he was disheartened that Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, opposed these projects and voted against the funding bill.
The completion of Highway 167 is also huge for the region and the state because it will help get goods to market. Washington State depends on international trade more than any other state in the nation.
“Highway 167 now dead-ends in town and sends semis on city streets, which causes a lot of traffic and damage to local roads,” Hurst said. “Finishing the highway sends all those trucks directly to the port instead of onto local streets. I’ve been fighting to finish this highway for years, so it’s tremendously satisfying to get that done for my friends and neighbors. This one is worth celebrating.”
Additional details and project lists available on the LEAP website.
