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Snohomish County Public Works wins APWA Project of the Year award

180th St SE North Creek Phase 1 Road Improvement. Lynnwood Times YouTube.

EVERETT, Wash., April 28, 2023 – Snohomish County Public Works staff, funders, contractors, and consultants proudly completed the 180th St SE – Phase I Improvement Project for the benefit of Snohomish County’s residents despite geographic and environmental challenges, and logistical issues stemming from the pandemic. As a result, the project has been recognized as the 2023 American Public Works Association (APWA) Washington Chapter Project of the Year Award winner in the Transportation $5-25 million category during a ceremony on April 27, 2023, in Tacoma, Washington.

“Snohomish County is proud to have world class public works professionals, and it shows not only with this hard- earned award but also with the excellence they bring to every project and task,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “The Department of Public Works ensures we have safe, maintained, and well-designed infrastructure. I congratulate everyone at Public Works who had a hand in this achievement.”

Snohomish County Public Works
Public Works Director Kelly Snyder kicking off the ribbon cutting ceremony on November 18, 2021, for 180th St SE Phase I. Source: Lynnwood Times/Mario Lotmore.

“This award is a testament to our team’s ability to complete projects that benefit the community and find solutions to any challenges put in their way,” Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “Our partnerships, the diligent work of our staff and the problem-solving abilities of all involved helped to complete this project – congratulations to all!”

The project would not have been possible without the $4 million Washington State Transportation Improvement Board grant and a Washington Public Works Board loan of $3 million.

“This project is an important improvement for the Bothell and Mill Creek communities by improving traffic and active transportation options,” Snohomish County Council Chair Jared Mead said. “Thank you to Public Works for getting this project done for our residents.”

Snohomish County’s 180th St SE – Phase I project improved the corridor between SR 527 and 23rd Ave SE by constructing new vehicle lanes, bike lanes, sidewalk curbs and gutters, planter strips, stormwater detention and treatment facilities, improved ADA facilities, realigned Thompson Creek and installed two new fish-passable culverts on Thompson and Silver Creek at a construction cost of $7.8 million.

Snohomish County Public Works
Ashley Probart (left) presenting Executive Director Ken Klein (right) a commemorative plaque at the ribbon cutting ceremony for 180th St SE Phase I. Source: Lynnwood Times/Mario Lotmore.

“This was not your typical corridor improvement project due to the many opportunities it presented, not the least was the relocation of the creek and to provide environmental improvement,” Public Works Deputy Director and County Engineer Doug McCormick said. “This project wouldn’t have been possible or successful without the coordination between Public Works, utilities, Rodarte Construction, design consultant Otak, and our funding partners. The patience of the public during the construction was appreciated!”

To view the project’s application and a list of all APWA Project of the Year winners, visit the APWA’s website.

Snohomish County Public Works
Polly Brooks (left) and Charlie Green at the ribbon cutting ceremony for 180th St SE Phase I. Source: Lynnwood Times/Mario Lotmore.

About APWA

The American Public Works Association (APWA) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA supports those who operate, improve and maintain public works and infrastructure through advocacy, education, and member engagement. APWA has 63 chapters in North America.

About Snohomish County Public Works

Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 200 bridges and manages about 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 600,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the largest department within Snohomish County government with approximately 500 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201.

Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.

About Washington State Public Works Board

The Washington State Public Works Board provides financial and technical assistance to Washington’s communities for critical public health, safety and environmental infrastructure that support community and economic development. The Board invests in the maintenance of current systems and development of new advanced sustainable systems while addressing future challenges.

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