In 2006, Snohomish County launched the Enhanced Community Infrastructure Development Initiative (ECIDI), a three-year bond-funded program to accelerate the construction of important transportation, surface water, and parks projects.

"These are important projects to improve pedestrian safety and relieve traffic congestion," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "With the current low interest rates we are able to build these projects much sooner than planned and at less cost to the taxpayer.

"Transportation has to be a priority. I hope to repeat this success in the county's 2009-2010 budget," said Gossett.

Local road improvement projects planned for 2008 include:

35th Ave SE at Seattle Hill Rd Channelization: adding turning lanes on all legs of the intersection and adding a revised traffic signal. In recent years, Snohomish County has widened 35th Avenue SE from 100th St. SE to Seattle Hill Road and installed standard urban amenities, such as bicycle lanes, curbs and sidewalks.

35th Ave SE/180th Intersection Improvement: widening the intersection to the ultimate configuration of an arterial, including left turn lanes, curbs, gutters and sidewalks. Right turns will be constructed on the south, east and west legs, including a new traffic signal.

128th St SW Vicinity Pedestrian Improvements: construction of sidewalks and walkways to fill missing gaps. New construction will occur in up to 12 locations where portions of the pedestrian facility are substandard or nonexistent.

Lockwood Road - (Locust Way to Carter Rd.): The first phase of this project will widen Lockwood Road in front of Lockwood Elementary School to include new sidewalks and bicycle lanes to improve pedestrian safety and traffic operation. This project, along with the Lockwood & Carter Rd intersection improvement project, will help connect sidewalks between the elementary school, junior high school and new developments in this area.