Traffic signal at Bickford and Weaver set for 2027 start

Construction on a new traffic signal at the intersection of Bickford Avenue and Weaver Road in Snohomish is projected to start in early 2027.

City project engineer Colbi Bertrand confirmed that the project is currently out to bid. The exact start date and completion schedule will be determined once the city selects a contractor. Bertrand noted that current weather conditions and the time of year make an early 2027 start the most likely scenario. The work involves installing the signal and adjusting traffic movements to improve safety and operations at the intersection.

The Puget Sound Regional Council’s Rural Town Centers and Corridors Program provided a $394,480 grant to cover part of the costs. The city of Snohomish will use local funds to pay for the remainder of the project.

A second improvement project at Bickford Avenue and Sinclair Avenue is also in the planning stages. Mayor Aaron Hoffman has included this work in the proposed 2027-28 city budget, though the funding is not yet adopted. If approved, the project would involve evaluating options for a traffic signal or a roundabout. It would also address storm drainage, install curb ramps, pave the road, and add traffic control measures.

Local resident David Clay has argued that the Sinclair Avenue intersection poses a greater safety risk than the Weaver Road site. Clay pointed to rising traffic volumes and vehicle speeds, citing the growth of residential and retail development along Bickford Avenue. He noted that Sinclair Avenue serves as a primary alternate route for drivers avoiding congestion on U.S. 2 and state Route 9.

"When there are any disruptions on U.S. Hwy. 2 or 9 (and there are daily disruptions that occur during the morning and afternoon commutes), Sinclair Avenue and then onto 87th Avenue become the go-to workaround shortcut for traffic trying to avoid the backed-up traffic on the two major state Highways 2 and 9," Clay said.

Clay has urged city officials to install a traffic signal at the Sinclair intersection immediately. He argued that infrastructure should keep pace with development that increases traffic. The city has not set a timeline for the Sinclair project because the funding has not yet been approved. The proposed evaluation of signal and roundabout alternatives will help determine the final design.